Research Article
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.” |
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