PainNCT07165405
Effects of Hot Sacral Massage and Shower Application With Partner Support on Labor
A study testing Shower, Massage and Midwifery Care in people with Pain and Experience, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study was designed to determine the effect of warm sacral massage with cherry pits and showering with partner support on perceived labor pain, birth experience, and birth comfort. A total of 150 pregnant women, 50 in each group, were planned to be included in the study. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Pain, Experience, Comfort
- What is being tested?
- Shower, Massage and Midwifery Care
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 150 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2025to 30 Aug 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Volunteering to participate in the study
- Expectation of spontaneous vaginal delivery
- Estimated fetal weight between 2500-4000 grams by ultrasound
- Single fetus and cephalic presentation,
- Term pregnancy (between 37-42 weeks of gestation)
- Being in the active phase of labor (cervical dilation of 4 cm)
- No analgesia or anesthesia used during the first stage of labor,
- No skin disease or open wound preventing massage or showering
Who cannot join
- Having undergone infertility treatment,
- Delivery by cesarean section for any reason during labor,
- Being multiparous
- Having any systemic, chronic, or neurological disease (Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Thyroid disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, etc.)
- Regular medication use due to any illness,
- Active psychiatric treatment (pharmacotherapy/psychotherapy),
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- Any induction that may affect uterine contractions and dilation,
- Any pregnancy complications (such as placenta previa, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, oligohydramnios, and polyhydramnios)
- Interventional delivery (forceps, vacuum)
- Any problem that hinders communication (such as not knowing Turkish, hearing, speech, and comprehension disorders)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa
Istanbul, Büyükçekmece
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Hot Sacral Massage With Cherry Pits and Shower Application With Partner Support on Perceived Labor Pain, Birth Experience, and Birth Comfort
This study was designed to determine the effect of warm sacral massage with cherry pits and showering with partner support on perceived labor pain, birth experience, and birth comfort. A total of 150 pregnant women, 50 in each group, were planned to be included in the study.
Volunteers who agreed to participate in the study were expected to have spontaneous vaginal delivery, with an ultrasound-estimated fetal weight between 2500-4000 grams, a single fetus in cephalic presentation, at term (between 37-42 weeks of gestation), in the active phase of labor (4 cm cervical dilation), primiparous women who did not receive analgesia or anesthesia during the first stage of labor and who did not have any skin disease or open wound that would prevent massage or showering. Pregnant women participating in the study will be randomly divided into three groups. The massage group will receive massage twice during the first stage of labor for at least 20 minutes, either standing or sitting, using a bag filled with cherry pits on the sacral region (the lumbar region including your tailbone). Pregnant women in the shower group will receive a shower with water at a temperature between 32-37°C for at least 20 minutes twice during the first stage of labor, either standing or sitting with partner support, according to their preference. Pregnant women in the control group will not receive any intervention other than the routine hospital protocol (midwifery care).
Read more
After providing information about the study to the pregnant women, written informed consent will be obtained. The pain scale (VAS) and The Birth Comfort Scale (BCS) will be administered to women in the shower group, massage group, and control group by a midwife working in the delivery room who is not involved in the study. The VAS will be administered four times during labor to pregnant women in the massage group and shower group, and four times to pregnant women in the control group.The Birth Comfort Scale (BCS)will be administered three times during labor to pregnant women in the massage group, the shower group, and the control group.
Before transfer to the ward after delivery, all participants in the groups will be administered the "Birth Experience Scale (BES)" by a midwife who is not involved in the study and is working in the delivery room that day.
Read the detailed description
This study aims to determine the effect of warm sacral massage with cherry pits and shower application with partner support on perceived labor pain, birth experience, and birth comfort. The study includes three groups: massage group, shower group, and control group. A total of 150 pregnant women, 50 in each group, were included in the study.
Steps for the Partner-Assisted Shower Application: Participants in this group will receive a shower administered by their partner in the delivery room (when dilation is 4-5 cm) for at least 20 minutes. The water temperature will be between 32-37 °C (the woman's preferred temperature will be used), and the shower will be administered to the lower back, abdomen, or entire body, depending on the woman's preference, while she is standing or sitting, under the observation of the researcher midwife. The application will be repeated when dilation reaches 7-8 cm. To ensure the safety of pregnant women before showering, non-slip sandals or slippers will be provided, and a non-slip bath mat will be placed under the stool. Blood pressure will be checked before and after showering.
Cherry Pit Hot Sacral Massage Group: The sacral massage will be performed using 20x20 cm pouches filled with cherry pits. The pouches will be cover-shaped, and 100% cotton fabric will be preferred. Each pregnant woman will receive a massage with a washed, clean pouch. Like the shower application, the massage will be performed upon admission to the delivery room (when dilation is 4-5 cm) and repeated when dilation is 7-8 cm. It will begin when contractions start and will last approximately 20 minutes.
Control group application steps: Participants in this group will not receive any application other than the routine hospital protocol (midwifery care).
The VAS will be administered to women in the shower group, massage group, and control groups by a midwife working in the delivery room who is not involved in the study. The VAS will be measured four times during the first stage of labor for pregnant women in the shower and massage groups. The Birth Comfort Scale (BCS)will be administered three times during labor to pregnant women in the massage group, the shower group, and the control group.
After delivery, before transfer to the ward, the "Birth Experience Scale (BES)" will be administered to all participants in the groups by a midwife who is not involved in the study and who is working in the delivery room that day.
- Conditions
- Pain, Experience, Comfort
- Being tested
- Shower, Massage, Midwifery Care
- Keywords
- labor pain, birth experience, postpartum comfort, sacral massage, shower application
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Labor Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ShowerOther
Participants in this group will receive a shower administered by their partner on their back, abdomen, or entire body while standing or sitting, with the water temperature maintained between 32-37°C (the woman's preferred temperature will be applied) for at least 20 minutes upon admission to the labor room (when dilation is 4-5 cm). This will be performed under the observation of the researcher midwife. The application will be repeated when dilation reaches 7-8 cm.
MassageOther
Sacral Massage Application will be performed using 20x20 cm pouches filled with cherry pits. Like the shower application, massage will be performed upon admission to the delivery room (when dilation is 4-5 cm) and repeated when dilation reaches 7-8 cm. Unless the pregnant woman requests otherwise, massage will be performed while she is in the left lateral position.
Midwifery CareOther
Care provided by a midwife in the delivery room
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Showering with Partner Support | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive a shower administered by their partner on their back, abdomen, or entire body while standing or sitting, with the water temperature maintained between 32-37°C (the woman's preferred temperature will be applied) for at least 20 minutes upon admission to the labor room (when dilation is 4-5 cm). This will be performed under the observation of the researcher midwife. The application will be repeated when dilation reaches 7-8 cm. Receives: Other: Shower |
| Hot Sacral Massage Group Made with Cherry Pits | Experimental | Sacral Massage Application will be performed using 20x20 cm pouches filled with cherry pits. Like the shower application, massage will be performed upon admission to the delivery room (when dilation is 4-5 cm) and repeated when dilation reaches 7-8 cm. Unless the pregnant woman requests otherwise, massage will be performed while she is in the left lateral position. Receives: Other: Massage |
| Control Group | Other | Participants in this group will not receive any treatment beyond the routine hospital protocol (midwifery care). Receives: Other: Midwifery Care |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
visual analog scale
It was used to measure labor pain. This scale uses scores from 0 to 10. A score of 10 represents the worst pain level, while 0 represents no pain at all.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after application 1, Baseline 2 and immediately after application 2.
Secondary outcomes (2)
Childbirth Experience Questionnaire
The scale to be used to measure women's birth experiences in different dimensions has four sub-dimensions and 22 items. In the birth process sub-dimension, women's sense of personal control and their feelings about the birth process and birth pain are evaluated. In the professional help/support sub-dimension, information and midwifery care are evaluated. The perceived safety/memories sub-dimension examines feelings of safety and memories/records of the birth. The participation in decisions sub-dimension examines participation in decisions regarding movement, birth position, and pain relief. A higher score on the scale indicates that the expectant mother had a positive birth experience.
Measured: Within 4 hours after childbirth
Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire
The scale has a 3-factor structure (physical, environmental, psychospiritual). It is used to assess the woman's comfort level during childbirth. A higher score indicates a higher level of comfort, while a lower score indicates a lower level of comfort.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after application 1, immediately after application 2.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Sep 2025
- Study start1 Feb 2025
- Primary completion30 Aug 2025
- Study completion30 Aug 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Istanbul University - CerrahpasaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Neriman Guducu, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07165405
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 12/32
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 31 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 31 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Hot Sacral Massage With Cherry Pits and Shower Application With Partner Support on Perceived Labor Pain, Birth Experience, and Birth Comfort
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07165405
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 12/32
- Conditions
- Pain, Experience, Comfort
- Keywords
- labor pain, birth experience, postpartum comfort, sacral massage, shower application
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - CerrahpasaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Aug 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study was designed to determine the effect of warm sacral massage with cherry pits and showering with partner support on perceived labor pain, birth experience, and birth comfort. A total of 150 pregnant women, 50 in each group, were planned to be included in the study.
Volunteers who agreed to participate in the study were expected to have spontaneous vaginal delivery, with an ultrasound-estimated fetal weight between 2500-4000 grams, a single fetus in cephalic presentation, at term (between 37-42 weeks of gestation), in the active phase of labor (4 cm cervical dilation), primiparous women who did not receive analgesia or anesthesia during the first stage of labor and who did not have any skin disease or open wound that would prevent massage or showering. Pregnant women participating in the study will be randomly divided into three groups. The massage group will receive massage twice during the first stage of labor for at least 20 minutes, either standing or sitting, using a bag filled with cherry pits on the sacral region (the lumbar region including your tailbone). Pregnant women in the shower group will receive a shower with water at a temperature between 32-37°C for at least 20 minutes twice during the first stage of labor, either standing or sitting with partner support, according to their preference. Pregnant women in the control group will not receive any intervention other than the routine hospital protocol (midwifery care).
After providing information about the study to the pregnant women, written informed consent will be obtained. The pain scale (VAS) and The Birth Comfort Scale (BCS) will be administered to women in the shower group, massage group, and control group by a midwife working in the delivery room who is not involved in the study. The VAS will be administered four times during labor to pregnant women in the massage group and shower group, and four times to pregnant women in the control group.The Birth Comfort Scale (BCS)will be administered three times during labor to pregnant women in the massage group, the shower group, and the control group.
Before transfer to the ward after delivery, all participants in the groups will be administered the "Birth Experience Scale (BES)" by a midwife who is not involved in the study and is working in the delivery room that day.
Detailed description
This study aims to determine the effect of warm sacral massage with cherry pits and shower application with partner support on perceived labor pain, birth experience, and birth comfort. The study includes three groups: massage group, shower group, and control group. A total of 150 pregnant women, 50 in each group, were included in the study.
Steps for the Partner-Assisted Shower Application: Participants in this group will receive a shower administered by their partner in the delivery room (when dilation is 4-5 cm) for at least 20 minutes. The water temperature will be between 32-37 °C (the woman's preferred temperature will be used), and the shower will be administered to the lower back, abdomen, or entire body, depending on the woman's preference, while she is standing or sitting, under the observation of the researcher midwife. The application will be repeated when dilation reaches 7-8 cm. To ensure the safety of pregnant women before showering, non-slip sandals or slippers will be provided, and a non-slip bath mat will be placed under the stool. Blood pressure will be checked before and after showering.
Cherry Pit Hot Sacral Massage Group: The sacral massage will be performed using 20x20 cm pouches filled with cherry pits. The pouches will be cover-shaped, and 100% cotton fabric will be preferred. Each pregnant woman will receive a massage with a washed, clean pouch. Like the shower application, the massage will be performed upon admission to the delivery room (when dilation is 4-5 cm) and repeated when dilation is 7-8 cm. It will begin when contractions start and will last approximately 20 minutes.
Control group application steps: Participants in this group will not receive any application other than the routine hospital protocol (midwifery care).
The VAS will be administered to women in the shower group, massage group, and control groups by a midwife working in the delivery room who is not involved in the study. The VAS will be measured four times during the first stage of labor for pregnant women in the shower and massage groups. The Birth Comfort Scale (BCS)will be administered three times during labor to pregnant women in the massage group, the shower group, and the control group.
After delivery, before transfer to the ward, the "Birth Experience Scale (BES)" will be administered to all participants in the groups by a midwife who is not involved in the study and who is working in the delivery room that day.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Showering with Partner Support | Experimental | Other: ShowerParticipants in this group will receive a shower administered by their partner on their back, abdomen, or entire body while standing or sitting, with the water temperature maintained between 32-37°C (the woman's preferred temperature will be applied) for at least 20 minutes upon admission to the labor room (when dilation is 4-5 cm). This will be performed under the observation of the researcher midwife. The application will be repeated when dilation reaches 7-8 cm. |
| Hot Sacral Massage Group Made with Cherry Pits | Experimental | Other: MassageSacral Massage Application will be performed using 20x20 cm pouches filled with cherry pits. Like the shower application, massage will be performed upon admission to the delivery room (when dilation is 4-5 cm) and repeated when dilation reaches 7-8 cm. Unless the pregnant woman requests otherwise, massage will be performed while she is in the left lateral position. |
| Control Group | Other | Other: Midwifery CareParticipants in this group will not receive any treatment beyond the routine hospital protocol (midwifery care). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Volunteering to participate in the study
- Expectation of spontaneous vaginal delivery
- Estimated fetal weight between 2500-4000 grams by ultrasound
- Single fetus and cephalic presentation,
- Term pregnancy (between 37-42 weeks of gestation)
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Having undergone infertility treatment,
- Delivery by cesarean section for any reason during labor,
- Being multiparous
- Having any systemic, chronic, or neurological disease (Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Thyroid disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, etc.)
- Regular medication use due to any illness,
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ShowerParticipants in this group will receive a shower administered by their partner on their back, abdomen, or entire body while standing or sitting, with the water temperature maintained between 32-37°C (the woman's preferred temperature will be applied) for at least 20 minutes upon admission to the labor room (when dilation is 4-5 cm). This will be performed under the observation of the researcher midwife. The application will be repeated when dilation reaches 7-8 cm. | Other | Showering with Partner Support |
| MassageSacral Massage Application will be performed using 20x20 cm pouches filled with cherry pits. Like the shower application, massage will be performed upon admission to the delivery room (when dilation is 4-5 cm) and repeated when dilation reaches 7-8 cm. Unless the pregnant woman requests otherwise, massage will be performed while she is in the left lateral position. | Other | Hot Sacral Massage Group Made with Cherry Pits |
| Midwifery CareCare provided by a midwife in the delivery room | Other | Control Group |
Primary outcome
visual analog scale
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after application 1, Baseline 2 and immediately after application 2.
It was used to measure labor pain. This scale uses scores from 0 to 10. A score of 10 represents the worst pain level, while 0 represents no pain at all.
2 secondary outcomes
Childbirth Experience Questionnaire
Time frame: Within 4 hours after childbirth
Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after application 1, immediately after application 2.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 31 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Shower, Massage and Midwifery Care in people with Pain and Experience, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 31 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
visual analog scale (time frame: Baseline and immediately after application 1, Baseline 2 and immediately after application 2.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 31 Aug 2026.