Prolonged labor is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes including infection, postpartum hemorrhage and increased NICU admission. One of the most common indications for cesarean section in the US is prolonged labor. Maternal positioning through labor facilitated by birthing balls is believed to help facilitate labor. Current data is inconclusive on whether or not the use of birthing balls is advantageous in a statistically significant manner. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, participants will be randomly selected to receive either the experimental intervention (repositioning peanut ball during labor) or the control intervention (the standard therapy of traditional repositioning during labor). Primary outcome: Time of active labor to delivery with and without use of the peanut ball. Secondary outcome: Cesarean section frequency.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
400
If participants are randomly selected to receive a peanut ball, the intent is for the patient to remain on the peanut ball during their labor progression.
If participants are randomly selected to NOT receive a peanut ball, the intent is for the patient to undergo traditional positioning/use wedge pillows during their labor progression.
Regional One Health Outpatient Center
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
RECRUITINGRegional One Health
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
RECRUITINGRegional One Health - Hollywood Clinic
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
RECRUITINGRegional One Health - Kirby Primary Care Clinic
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
RECRUITINGRate of active stage of labor
Length of time from progression of 6cm cervical dilation to 10cm
Time frame: Expected <6 hours
Cesarean section rate
Proportion of patients who undergo delivery by cesarean section
Time frame: < 48 hours
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