The physiologic process of labor involves pain from uterine contractions, which can have detrimental effects on both the mother and fetus, including increased stress hormones and reduced fetal perfusion. Inadequate pain management during labor can lead to prolonged labor, fetal distress, and adverse maternal outcomes. Hydrotherapy, a non-pharmacological method of pain management involving immersion in warm water, has proven effective in reducing pain, shortening labor duration, and enhancing patient satisfaction. Despite its benefits, hydrotherapy remains underutilized, particularly in active labor, due to the absence of standardized protocols. This quality improvement project aimed to revise, implement, and evaluate a standardized hydrotherapy protocol for active labor to improve pain scores and patient satisfaction at a nonprofit acute care hospital in Houston, Texas. The project utilized a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model.It focused on educating clinical staff, implementing the protocol for low-risk laboring women at 6 cm dilation or greater, and evaluating its effectiveness. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in pain scores after 15 and 30 minutes of water immersion (p<0.001), along with a shortened active labor phase (mean 27.56 minutes). Findings support hydrotherapy as a safe, effective intervention for pain management in active labor, suggesting its increased use could improve maternal outcomes and labor satisfaction. Standardizing hydrotherapy protocols is crucial to maximizing its clinical application and enhancing patient care.

Mickeya Hayes is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at Baylor University with a strong passion for maternal health and evidence-based care. She has successfully completed her DNP project on a hydrotherapy protocol for active labor, focusing on enhancing comfort and outcomes for birthing individuals. Mickeya is eager to share her research and insights with the broader nursing and midwifery community through presentations and professional discussions.