Effects of Passive Hydrotherapy WATSU (WaterShiatsu) in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Results of a Controlled Pilot Study

Table 6

Results from analysis of qualitative data reflecting participants’ perception of the intervention.

Categories	Mentions ( = 60)		Sample phrases
	In absolute values	In % values
(1) Overall impression	12	21.1
(1.1) Overall relaxation	8	14.0	“Total relaxation!”
(1.2) Overall positive impression	4	7.0	“Very pleasant!”
(2) Body related	10	17.5
(2.1) Physical relaxation	4	7.0	“I think my belly relaxed too.”
(2.2) Mobilization	2	3.5	“My lower back and the right side of the trunk are loosened.”
(2.3) Transfer to daily life	2	3.5	“Walking became easier.”
(2.4) Weightlessness	1	1.8	“It is great to feel light and weightless once in a while during pregnancy!”
(2.5) Reduction of pain	1	1.8	“Less pain.”
(3) Mind related	15	26.3
(3.1) Perception	6	10.5	“No distractions since ears were underneath the surface.”
(3.2) Peace of mind	4	7.0	“Free of thoughts and fears.”
(3.3) Learning	3	5.3	“Ideal preparation for birth.”
(3.5) Focus on breech position	2	3.5	“My child moved a lot but did not turn.”
(4) Child related	10	17.5
(4.1) Child relaxed	2	3.5	“After a while, my child relaxed with me.”
(4.2) Child active	5	8.8	“I felt my child moving a lot.”
(4.3) Interpretation of child’s feeling	1	1.8	“The baby liked it too; she was very quiet.”
(4.4) Contact to child	2	3.5	“I think it is a good way to come close to the child—both are in water.”
(5) Further suggestions	10	17.5
(5.1) Improvements	4	7.0	“Start WATSU earlier in pregnancy.”
(6.1) Emphasizing satisfaction	6	10.5	“There was nothing I disliked; everything was just great.”