Hydrotherapy and the Swiss ball in labor: randomized clinical trial

Objective  : To understand the influence of a warm bath and perineal exercise with the Swiss ball, in an isolated and combined manner, on the progression of labor.

Methods  : Randomized and controlled clinical trial, conducted from 2013 to 2014 in two public hospitals, with 128 women hospitalized for labor and delivery. The randomization allocated 44 parturients into the warm bath group, 45 into the Swiss ball group, and 39 into the warm bath with Swiss ball group.

Results  : The study showed a statistically significant increase in the frequency of uterine contractions with the isolated technique (p = 0.025) and associated Swiss ball use (p <0.001), and a significant increase in fetal heart rate with isolated and associated warm bath use (p <0.001).

Conclusion  : The association of the warm bath and Swiss ball was more effective for the progression of labor and vaginal delivery outcome when compared to the isolated use.

Labor; Midwifery; Complementary therapies; Hydrotherapy