Jyothi Sharma
Abstract
Birthing ball is a large air filled rubber ball which is strong enough to support the weight of the mother. It helps in widen and flex the pelvic bone and joints and helps the baby to descent into birth canal more easily and also helps in the strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor, which is responsible for the pushing stage of childbirth. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of birthing ball technique on the pain & selected feto maternal parameters of the latent phase of labor among primigravida mothers. Methods: A true experimental study with pre test – post test control group design with multiple observation are used. Sixty primigravida mothers admitted in antenatal ward of KNH, Shimla, for safe confinement were recruited for the study. All the mothers who meet the sampling criteria were selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control group. Informed consent is obtained prior to data collection. Teaching regarding use of birthing ball was given to the mothers in the experimental group during antenatal period including guided practice for two day and they were helped to use birthing ball during labour for 20 min per hour for three hours. Pain level, duration of uterine contraction and fetal heart rate was assessed both before and after use of birthing ball in both group measured by using numerical pain rating scale, flow sheet and cardiotocography respectively. Results: Mean and standard deviation for experimental group is 1.86+ 1.47 and mean and standard deviation for control group is 3.83+ 0.87 with t value is 2.66 at the level of 0.001 which shows there is statistically significant difference in both groups in labor pain with time Primigravida mothers in experimental group had less pain and higher duration of uterine contraction as compared to control group which is significant at p value < 0.001. The mothers of experimental group was highly satisfied by the use of birthing ball and they were likely to use in future pregnancy. Discussion: Finding of the present study shows that using birthing ball helps to reduce labor pain and progress of selected feto maternal parameters . It helps in acceleration of labor. It is a method of providing comfort during labor. The birthing ball is a non invasive procedure and has no adverse effects on the mother and the fetus and hence the midwives could be encouraged to use this as a pain relief method during labor.