Childbirth is defined as the process in which the fetus and its appendages are expelled from the uterus. The World Health Organization emphasizes that women should have a positive childbirth experience and recommends interventions that reduce pain and stress while increasing maternal satisfaction. White noise, defined as continuous and monotonous sounds such as wave, water, or wind sounds, and quiet time, described as periods in which environmental noise is minimized, have been shown to reduce pain and stress and improve satisfaction in various patient groups. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding their effects during labor. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate the effects of white noise and quiet time interventions applied during labor on perceived labor pain, stress levels, and childbirth satisfaction.
Childbirth is defined as a process in which the fetus and its appendages are expelled from the uterus. The World Health Organization emphasizes that women should have a positive childbirth experience. During childbirth, care providers are recommended to implement interventions that reduce women's pain and stress and increase satisfaction. White noise is defined as continuous and monotonous sounds such as wave, water, and wind sounds. It has been studied in postoperative patients, infants, and neonates. Quiet time is defined as a period in which environmental sounds are minimized. It has been studied in postpartum women, patients in acute care units, nurses working in neonatal intensive care units, and infants. White noise and quiet time interventions have been found to be methods used to reduce pain and stress and to increase satisfaction. However, no study has been found that evaluates the effects of white noise and quiet time interventions on pain, stress, and satisfaction during the childbirth process. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate the effects of white noise and quiet time interventions applied during childbirth on the level of perceived labor pain, stress level, and childbirth satisfaction.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
159
Participants received white noise intervention during the active phase of labor. At 4 cm cervical dilation, informed consent was obtained and baseline assessments including Demographic Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and Visual Analogue Scale for stress were completed. Routine care was provided. At 6 cm and 8 cm cervical dilation, participants were exposed to white noise (50-65 dB) via Bluetooth headphones for 15 minutes each session. Routine monitoring and standard obstetric care were continued. After interventions, pain and stress were reassessed using VAS. At the second postpartum hour, maternal satisfaction was assessed using the Maternal Satisfaction in Childbirth Scale.
Participants received quiet time intervention during the active phase of labor. At 4 cm cervical dilation, informed consent was obtained and baseline assessments including Demographic Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and Visual Analogue Scale for stress were completed. Routine care was provided. At 6 cm and 8 cm cervical dilation, a quiet environment was maintained using Polter headphones for 15 minutes per session. Routine monitoring and standard obstetric care were continued. After interventions, pain and stress were reassessed using VAS. At the second postpartum hour, maternal satisfaction was assessed using the Maternal Satisfaction in Childbirth Scale.
Esenler Women's and Children's Diseases Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Pain level during labor
Labor pain levels will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Measurements will be performed during the latent and active phases of labor at specific cervical dilation stages (4-10 cm).
Time frame: During labor, between 4-10 cm cervical dilation (latent and active phases)
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