Jpn J Nurs Sci. 2026 Oct;23(4):e70071. doi: 10.1111/jjns.70071.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To evaluate the benefits and harms of bathing during the first stage of labor among healthy women with uncomplicated singleton cephalic pregnancies at ≥ 36 weeks’ gestation.
METHODS: Randomized controlled trials comparing warm-water bathing during the first stage of labor with no bathing were included. MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CENTRAL, and Ichu-shi Web (updated to December 2024) were searched for English- and Japanese-language studies. Two reviewers independently assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 1.0 tool, and evidence certainty was appraised with GRADE. Random-effects meta-analyses reported risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences with 95% prediction intervals (PIs), and I2 statistics.
RESULTS: Nine studies from eight countries (1994-2018; n = 1823) met inclusion criteria. Bathing did not significantly affect regional analgesia use (RR 0.91, 95% PI 0.82-1.01; I2 = 0%), perineal trauma, spontaneous vaginal birth, intact perineum, caesarean section, abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, neonatal infection, or episiotomy. Instrumental vaginal birth was reduced (RR 0.78, 95% PI 0.61-0.98; I2 = 0%). Satisfaction tended to be higher in the bathing group, though evidence was limited to two small heterogeneous trials.
CONCLUSIONS: Evidence certainty was low to very low because of risk of bias, imprecision, lack of blinding, and limited woman-reported outcomes. Bathing appears safe for mothers and infants and may reduce instrumental delivery, but a clear analgesic-sparing effect was not shown. Implementation should ensure tub hygiene, water temperature regulation, and regular maternal and fetal monitoring.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Register name: Effect of Bathing for Pain Relief During the First Stage of Labor: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/J9GTS.
PMID:42591025 | DOI:10.1111/jjns.70071
