ORIGINAL ARTICLE
The effect of using birth ball and squatting position during labor on pain, duration, and satisfaction: A randomized controlled trial
Fatma Dunmez,
Tulay Yilmaz,
Fatma Dunmez
Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Tulay Yilmaz
Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
Correspondence
Tulay Yilmaz, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorFatma Dunmez,
Tulay Yilmaz,
Fatma Dunmez
Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Tulay Yilmaz
Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
Correspondence
Tulay Yilmaz, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 10 December 2023
Abstract
Aim
The aim of this study is to assess the effect of using a birth ball and squatting position during labor on labor pain, duration of labor, and satisfaction.
Methods
This study is a randomized controlled experimental trial. It was conducted in the delivery unit of Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital. The study sample consisted of a total of 159 women, 53 in the birth ball application room, 53 in the squatting position group, and 53 in the control group. The “Information Form,” “Visual Analog Scale,” “Partograph,” and “Maternal Satisfaction Assessment at Delivery Scale-Normal Birth” were used in the data collection. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, Pearson's Chi-square test, Pillai's trace test.
Results
The present study revealed that the pain perception level was lower in the birth ball and squatting position groups compared to the control group, and there was a statistically significant difference between them (p < .05). The duration of the first and second stages of labor and the total duration of labor decreased in the birth ball and squatting position groups (p < .05). The difference was statistically significant in comparing the level of satisfaction (p < .05). It was found that the highest satisfaction was in the birth ball group.
Conclusion
Using a birth ball and squatting position during labor are effective methods of reducing labor pain, shortening the duration of labor, and increasing the level of satisfaction. There is a need for more studies on the effects of the birth ball and squatting position. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05360823.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
There is no conflict of interest between any relevant persons or institutions.
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