An Evidence-Based Guideline of Birth Ball Exercise during the First Stage of Labor on the Outcome of Birthing Criteria

Sobhy Saber Hashad, Noura; Ahmed Elsheikh, Mona; Abd ELhaliem Said, Samah; Abo Zaid Ramadan, Elham

doi:10.21608/jnsbu.2022.247939

An Evidence-Based Guideline of Birth Ball Exercise during the First Stage of Labor on the Outcome of Birthing Criteria

Document Type : Scientific peer reviewed journal

Authors

¹ M.Sc. (2017) of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt

² Maternity and Gynecological Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain shams University

³ Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt

10.21608/jnsbu.2022.247939

Abstract

Background: Birth ball makes labor more efficient, helps mothers feel more comfortable,
and helps the decent of fetal head. Aim of study: Was to assess the effect of an evidence-based
guideline of birth ball exercise during the first stage of labor on the outcome of birthing criteria.
Design: The experimental design was utilized to fulfill the aim of this study. Sample: A group of
200 laboring women was included by purposive sampling technique; the study subjects randomly
assigned into two equal group. Setting: The study was implemented in the Labor and Delivery Unit
at Benha university hospital. Tools: Data were collected by using four tools included: a Structured
Interview Questionnaire Sheet to assess general characteristics of women and obstetrical data for
women., The Partograph to measure the progress of labor in term of cervical dilatation, effacement,
descent of fetal head, & uterine contraction progress, Visual analog pain intensity scale (VAS): It
was a standardized linear scale, APGAR score chart to measure the physical condition of the
newborn. Results: There was no significant difference among control and intervention groups
regarding general characteristics and obstetric data. There was statistically positive correlations
between the birth ball exercise effects on the progress of labor in term of decreases interval and
increases duration and frequency of uterine contraction, cervical dilatation and fetal head descent
among the study group, while the control group showed less progress with highly statically
significant differences (p˂0.0001)**. Moreover the control group expressed more pain score;
consume longer duration of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stage of labor than the study group. Conclusion:
Using of birthing ball throughout the first stage of labor had positive effect on labor progress and
outcome. Recommendation: Encourage women to use birth ball during the first stage of labor as
one of the significant modalities to improve labor progress, manage pain, and attain more
satisfactory birthing experience.

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