This study aims to explore the use of peanut balls during the second stage of labor. It compares three different positions: traditional lithotomy position, lateral position, and lateral position with peanut ball in terms of women's perceived pushing effort experiences, fatigue, and birth outcomes.
The experimental research design involves enrolling participants during their hospitalization for childbirth. After explanation and consent, participants are sequentially assigned to Control Group B, Control Group A, and the Experimental Group. The Experimental Group receives education and guidance on using a peanut ball, while Control Groups receive standard care. During the second stage of labor, the Experimental Group assumes a side-lying position with the bed elevated at a 30-degree angle and uses the peanut ball with exertion. Control Group A assumes a side-lying position with the bed elevated at a 30-degree angle without the peanut ball, and Control Group B assumes a traditional lithotomy position with the bed elevated at a 30-degree angle with exertion.This study was conducted at a maternity ward in the Northern Region of a certain medical center. Participants were selected through consecutive convenient sampling.The total of 192 participants for the entire study.The research tools included:1.Personal basic demographic and obstetric information survey form: A self-designed questionnaire to gather personal basic information.2.Labor exertion experience scale: Adapted from the modified 10-item labor exertion experience scale designed by Chang et al. (2011).3.Visual Analog Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F): Employed as an assessment tool for fatigue.After enrollment, the experimental group received instructions on the intervention with the peanut ball. Research staff provided guidance using an educational leaflet on the purpose, timing, method, and precautions of using the peanut ball.Participants and their birth companions were required to demonstrate their understanding by performing the instructed actions, with corrections provided as necessary. The research team members did not intervene during the execution process. Care was provided by instructed caregivers, who stayed with the parturients throughout the second stage of labor. Each group of participants was accommodated in individual labor rooms to prevent mutual interference. When the cervix was fully dilated to 10 centimeters or when the parturient felt a strong urge to push, or when the fetal presenting part reached 1 centimeter below the ischial spine (+1 Station), instruction on closed-glottis pushing for 5-6 seconds at a time began. The experimental group pushed in a side-lying position with the peanut ball, while Control Group A pushed in a side-lying position, and Control Group B pushed in a traditional lithotomy position. Within 1-4 hours postpartum, fatigue was assessed using the VAS-F at two time points (T1 and T2), and participants were instructed to complete the labor exertion experience scale. Finally, medical records and parturition records were transcribed to complete the labor duration and related data forms.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
162
The usage of the peanut ball is divided into two stages: Stage one: The parturient assumes a side-lying position with the bed elevated to a 30-degree angle. The peanut ball is placed between the legs, allowing for leg separation. The parturient can choose to lie on either the left or right side according to preference. Stage two: When the fetal presenting part reaches 1 centimeter below the ischial spine (+1 Station), still in a side-lying position with the bed elevated to a 30-degree angle, the parturient has the option to switch sides. The peanut ball is then positioned between the legs with the knees bent together, for pushing
The parturient assumes a side-lying position with the bed elevated to a 30-degree angle. The parturient can choose to lie on either the left or right side according to preference.When the fetal presenting part reaches 1 centimeter below the ischial spine (+1 Station), still in a side-lying position with the bed elevated to a 30-degree angle, the parturient has the option to switch sides, for pushing
Yu-Ching Tung
Taoyuan, Taiwan
The duration of the second stage of labor of women who use side-lying with peanut balls.
The duration of the second stage of labor
Time frame: calculated from the labor records within 24 hours postpartum, will be recorded by the researcher onto the individual basic information form.
The pushing time of women in the second stage of labor who use side-lying with peanut balls.
The second stage of labor pushing time
Time frame: As documented in the nursing records within 24 hours postpartum, will be transcribed by the researcher onto the second stage labor pushing record form.
lateral position with peanut ball in terms of women's perceived pushing effort experiences.
Measuring pushing effort experiences
Time frame: Measurements will be conducted within 1 to 4 hours postpartum.
Parturients using the side-lying position with a peanut ball for experience levels of fatigue.
Measuring fatigue
Time frame: Measurements will be conducted within 1 to 4 hours postpartum.
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