Effects of Foot Baths during the Active Phase of Labor on Pain and Childbirth Comfort: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aim:

This study aimed to examine the effects of foot baths applied during the active phase of labor on labor pain and childbirth comfort in nulliparous women.

Method:

This randomized controlled clinical study was conducted at a maternity hospital in Turkey between February and July 2024. The sample consisted of 196 primiparous women at 37–42 weeks of gestation, with a cervical dilation of at least 4 cm and a cephalic presentation. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 98) and control (n = 98) groups. In the intervention group, participants received two 20-min foot baths at 4 cm and 9 cm cervical dilation. Data were collected using a personal information form, the visual analogue scale to assess labor pain, and the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire to assess childbirth comfort.

Results:

Labor pain was the primary outcome, and childbirth comfort was assessed as a secondary outcome. The intervention group reported significantly lower labor pain levels compared with the control group (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in the physical, psychospiritual, or environmental dimensions of comfort, nor in the total childbirth comfort scores (p = 1.000). Participants were continuously monitored for any adverse events, including discomfort, skin reactions, or circulatory symptoms; however, no such events were reported during the intervention.

Conclusion:

Foot baths may contribute to reducing labor pain and possibly shortening the second stage of labor. However, given the multidimensional nature of childbirth comfort, interventions focusing solely on physical relaxation may not address all aspects of comfort. Therefore, integrating physical relaxation practices with psychosocial and environmental support is recommended, and further research is needed to confirm these findings.