Labor PainNCT07808840
Using Wet Towel During Labor
A study testing Wet Towel in people with Labor Pain and Comfort, run by Sakarya University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the wet towel method applied during the first stage of labor can reduce labor pain and anxiety and improve childbirth comfort in first-time mothers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Labor Pain, Comfort, Labor Anxiety
- What is being tested?
- Wet Towel
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 25 Aug 2026to 30 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 to 45 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Pregnant women admitted to the delivery room for childbirth
- Pregnant women without any risks
- Pregnant women with sufficient language proficiency to communicate effectively
- Women experiencing their first pregnancy
Who cannot join
- Pregnant women admitted for a planned cesarean section
- Pregnant women who do not agree to participate in the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Sakarya Training and Research Hospital
Adapazarı, Sakarya, 54050
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Wet Towel Application During Labor on Labor Pain, Comfort, and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Study
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the wet towel method applied during the first stage of labor can reduce labor pain and anxiety and improve childbirth comfort in first-time mothers. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does the wet towel method reduce labor pain? Does the wet towel method improve childbirth comfort? Does the wet towel method reduce anxiety during labor?
Read more
Researchers will compare women who receive the wet towel method in addition to routine intrapartum care with women who receive routine intrapartum care alone to determine whether the intervention improves maternal outcomes during labor.
Participants will:
Be randomly assigned to either the wet towel intervention group or the routine care control group.
Receive the wet towel application for at least 10 minutes during the active phase of the first stage of labor or receive routine intrapartum care only.
Complete assessments of labor pain, childbirth comfort, and anxiety before and after the intervention using validated measurement tools
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of the wet towel method applied during the first stage of labor on labor pain, childbirth comfort, and anxiety levels among primiparous women. Labor pain and anxiety may negatively affect the childbirth experience, prolong labor, and reduce maternal comfort. Although several non-pharmacological methods have been shown to improve maternal outcomes during labor, evidence regarding the effectiveness of the wet towel method remains limited.
The study will be conducted at the Labor and Delivery Unit of Sakarya Training and Research Hospital. Sixty low-risk primiparous pregnant women will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group (wet towel application) or a control group receiving routine intrapartum care. In the intervention group, a clean towel will be placed over the woman's head and shoulders, and warm water (36-38°C) will be gently applied over the towel for at least 10 minutes during the active phase of labor. Participants in both groups will be assessed before and after the intervention.
Primary outcomes include labor pain, childbirth comfort, and anxiety during labor. Pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), comfort using the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire, and anxiety using the Anxiety Assessment Scale for Pregnant Women in Labor. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of the wet towel method as a simple, safe, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention to improve maternal comfort and reduce pain and anxiety during labor.
- Conditions
- Labor Pain, Comfort, Labor Anxiety
- Being tested
- Wet Towel
- Keywords
- Labor, Wet Towel Method, Vaginal Birth, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Medical subject headings
- Labor Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Wet TowelOther
A woman who has entered the active phase and is being treated will be safely escorted to the bathroom and prepared for the procedure. A clean towel will be placed over the woman's head and shoulders, and water at an appropriate temperature (approximately 36-38°C) will be directed in a slow stream from the showerhead onto the towel. The water flow will be adjusted so that it gently touches the head area through the towel, and the procedure will be continued for at least 10 minutes. During this process, the woman will be continuously monitored, her comfort and safety will be ensured, and the fetal heart rate will be monitored in accordance with institutional protocol. After the procedure is completed, the woman's head and shoulders will be dried, and she will be taken back to her room for further assessment.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| wet Towel group | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Wet Towel |
| control | No intervention | Not described |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain intensity assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
The primary outcome of this study is to evaluate the effect of wet towel application on labor pain intensity. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention.The primary outcome is labor pain intensity, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale before and after the intervention. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater labor pain intensity.
Measured: Before intervention and immediately after intervention during the active phase of labor.
Childbirth comfort level assessed by Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire
The effect of wet towel application on childbirth comfort levels will be evaluated using the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire before and after the intervention. Total scores range from 9 to 45, with higher scores indicating a higher level of childbirth comfort.
Measured: Before intervention and immediately after intervention.
Anxiety level during labor assessed by Anxiety Assessment Scale for Pregnant Women in Labor
The effect of wet towel application on anxiety levels during labor will be evaluated. Anxiety level during labor will be assessed using the Scale for Assessing the Anxiety Status of Pregnant Women in Labor before and after the intervention. The mean score ranges from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety during labor.
Measured: Before intervention and immediately after intervention.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Sep 2026
- Study start25 Aug 2026
- Primary completion30 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Labor PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Sakarya University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Yasemin Hamlaci Baskaya, Sakarya University
- Investigators
- YASEMİN BAŞKAYA, Study director, Sakarya University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07808840
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-43012747-050.04-543-648
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared because the data contain sensitive health information from pregnant women. To protect participant confidentiality and privacy, only aggregated results will be reported.
Publications
Shishido I, Konya I, Yano R. Effect on autonomic nervous activity of applying hot towels for 10 s to the back during bed baths. J Physiol Anthropol. 2020 Nov 19;39(1):35. doi: 10.1186/s40101-020-00245-7.
PubMed 33213514Mellado-Garcia E, Diaz-Rodriguez L, Cortes-Martin J, Sanchez-Garcia JC, Piqueras-Sola B, Macias JCH, Rivas Ruiz F, Rodriguez-Blanque R. Comparative Analysis of Therapeutic Showers and Bathtubs for Pain Management and Labor Outcomes-A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med. 2024 Jun 15;13(12):3517. doi: 10.3390/jcm13123517.
PubMed 38930046Taskin A, Ergin A. Effect of hot shower application on pain anxiety and comfort in the first stage of labor: A randomized controlled study. Health Care Women Int. 2022 May;43(5):431-447. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1925282. Epub 2021 Jun 22.
PubMed 34156915
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Wet Towel Application During Labor on Labor Pain, Comfort, and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07808840
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-43012747-050.04-543-648
- Conditions
- Labor Pain, Comfort, Labor Anxiety
- Keywords
- Labor, Wet Towel Method, Vaginal Birth, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Sakarya UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Sep 2026 (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.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the wet towel method applied during the first stage of labor can reduce labor pain and anxiety and improve childbirth comfort in first-time mothers. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does the wet towel method reduce labor pain? Does the wet towel method improve childbirth comfort? Does the wet towel method reduce anxiety during labor?
Researchers will compare women who receive the wet towel method in addition to routine intrapartum care with women who receive routine intrapartum care alone to determine whether the intervention improves maternal outcomes during labor.
Participants will:
Be randomly assigned to either the wet towel intervention group or the routine care control group.
Receive the wet towel application for at least 10 minutes during the active phase of the first stage of labor or receive routine intrapartum care only.
Complete assessments of labor pain, childbirth comfort, and anxiety before and after the intervention using validated measurement tools
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of the wet towel method applied during the first stage of labor on labor pain, childbirth comfort, and anxiety levels among primiparous women. Labor pain and anxiety may negatively affect the childbirth experience, prolong labor, and reduce maternal comfort. Although several non-pharmacological methods have been shown to improve maternal outcomes during labor, evidence regarding the effectiveness of the wet towel method remains limited.
The study will be conducted at the Labor and Delivery Unit of Sakarya Training and Research Hospital. Sixty low-risk primiparous pregnant women will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group (wet towel application) or a control group receiving routine intrapartum care. In the intervention group, a clean towel will be placed over the woman's head and shoulders, and warm water (36-38°C) will be gently applied over the towel for at least 10 minutes during the active phase of labor. Participants in both groups will be assessed before and after the intervention.
Primary outcomes include labor pain, childbirth comfort, and anxiety during labor. Pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), comfort using the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire, and anxiety using the Anxiety Assessment Scale for Pregnant Women in Labor. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of the wet towel method as a simple, safe, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention to improve maternal comfort and reduce pain and anxiety during labor.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| wet Towel group | Experimental | Other: Wet Towel |
| control | No intervention | – |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Pregnant women admitted to the delivery room for childbirth
- Pregnant women without any risks
- Pregnant women with sufficient language proficiency to communicate effectively
- Women experiencing their first pregnancy
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Pregnant women admitted for a planned cesarean section
- Pregnant women who do not agree to participate in the study
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet TowelA woman who has entered the active phase and is being treated will be safely escorted to the bathroom and prepared for the procedure. A clean towel will be placed over the woman's head and shoulders, and water at an appropriate temperature (approximately 36-38°C) will be directed in a slow stream from the showerhead onto the towel. The water flow will be adjusted so that it gently touches the head area through the towel, and the procedure will be continued for at least 10 minutes. During this process, the woman will be continuously monitored, her comfort and safety will be ensured, and the fetal heart rate will be monitored in accordance with institutional protocol. After the procedure is completed, the woman's head and shoulders will be dried, and she will be taken back to her room for further assessment. Translated with DeepL.com (free version) | Other | wet Towel group |
Primary outcome
Pain intensity assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Before intervention and immediately after intervention during the active phase of labor.
The primary outcome of this study is to evaluate the effect of wet towel application on labor pain intensity. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention.The primary outcome is labor pain intensity, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale before and after the intervention. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater labor pain intensity.
Childbirth comfort level assessed by Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire
Time frame: Before intervention and immediately after intervention.
The effect of wet towel application on childbirth comfort levels will be evaluated using the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire before and after the intervention. Total scores range from 9 to 45, with higher scores indicating a higher level of childbirth comfort.
Anxiety level during labor assessed by Anxiety Assessment Scale for Pregnant Women in Labor
Time frame: Before intervention and immediately after intervention.
The effect of wet towel application on anxiety levels during labor will be evaluated. Anxiety level during labor will be assessed using the Scale for Assessing the Anxiety Status of Pregnant Women in Labor before and after the intervention. The mean score ranges from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety during labor.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Sep 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 33213514Shishido I, Konya I, Yano R. Effect on autonomic nervous activity of applying hot towels for 10 s to the back during bed baths. J Physiol Anthropol. 2020 Nov 19;39(1):35. doi: 10.1186/s40101-020-00245-7.
- Results publication: PubMed 38930046Mellado-Garcia E, Diaz-Rodriguez L, Cortes-Martin J, Sanchez-Garcia JC, Piqueras-Sola B, Macias JCH, Rivas Ruiz F, Rodriguez-Blanque R. Comparative Analysis of Therapeutic Showers and Bathtubs for Pain Management and Labor Outcomes-A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med. 2024 Jun 15;13(12):3517. doi: 10.3390/jcm13123517.
- Results publication: PubMed 34156915Taskin A, Ergin A. Effect of hot shower application on pain anxiety and comfort in the first stage of labor: A randomized controlled study. Health Care Women Int. 2022 May;43(5):431-447. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1925282. Epub 2021 Jun 22.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared because the data contain sensitive health information from pregnant women. To protect participant confidentiality and privacy, only aggregated results will be reported.
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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.
YASEMİN BAŞKAYA study director
Sakarya University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Wet Towel in people with Labor Pain and Comfort, run by Sakarya University 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 4 inclusion and 2 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Sep 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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?
Pain intensity assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (time frame: Before intervention and immediately after intervention during the active phase of labor.). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07808840, which also lists 3 linked publications.
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 9 Sep 2026.