Effects of foot baths in pregnant women and women is labor: Literature review

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to summarize the effects of foot baths in pregnant women and women in labor and to summarize existing studies published in Japan and abroad.

Methods

In December 2023, we searched the web version of the Japan Medical Abstracts Society (Ichushi-Web), PubMed, and CINAHL, using the keywords “foot bath,” “pregnant woman,” and “pregnancy woman,” and 11 articles (8 in Japanese and 3 in English) were included in the analysis. Information on study design, subjects, intervention methods, evaluation methods of the intervention, and effectiveness were extracted.

Results

Six studies targeted pregnant women, while five targeted women in labor. In the majority of the studies, 40°C for 15 minutes, a depth of 15 cm, and a degree of immersion to soak the Three Yin intercourse were used as the foot bath method. Foot bath use in pregnant women led to a reduction in minor problems such as stiff shoulders, insomnia, and lower back pain, as well as a relaxation effect (subjective and psychological effects such as comfort and anxiety reduction). The effects of foot baths on women in labor were an “increase in the number of labor pains,” “shortening of the interval between labor,” “extension of the duration of labor,” “relaxation,” and “relief from childbirth pain.”

Conclusion

Relaxation effect and the possibility of reducing minor problems during pregnancy were the major effects of foot baths on pregnant women. Further, foot bath use may have a relaxation effect, a labor promotion effect, and a labor pain relief effect for women in labor. However, the results cannot be generalized because the assessment methods relied on subjective measures, and the study design was not a randomized controlled trial. Thus, further evidence is needed.