A study to assess the effectiveness of birthing ball technique on labour pain and maternal outcome during the first stage of labour among the primi mothers in selected hospitals of Surat Gujarat

Abstract

ABSTRACT newlineIntroduction: newline Labour pain during the first stage of labour is often intense and challenging, especially for primi mothers. Non-pharmacological interventions such as the birthing ball technique have been shown to reduce pain, enhance maternal comfort, and improve labour outcomes without the risks associated with pharmacological methods. Despite its global recognition, evidence regarding its effectiveness in the socio-cultural and healthcare context of Surat, Gujarat, remains limited. newlineObjectives: newlineTo assess the effectiveness of the birthing ball technique on labour pain and maternal outcomes during the first stage of labour among primi mothers, and to examine association of pre level of pain and maternal outcomes with selected demographic variables. newlineMethods: newline A quasi-experimental design was adopted with purposive sampling. The study was conducted among 126 primi mothers (63 experimental, 63 control) admitted in SDA Diamond Hospital and Sandhya Hospital, Surat. The experimental group received birthing ball exercises along standard obstetric care with during the active first stage of labour, while the control group received standard obstetric care. Labour pain was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale; maternal outcomes included total time duration of labour, progress of cervical dilatation and mode of delivery were recorded using partograph. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. newlineResults: newlineThe experimental group showed a significant reduction in labour pain scores at cervical dilatations from 4 cm to 6 cm compared to the control group (p lt 0.001). Mean labour duration was significantly shorter in the experimental group (190.39 ± 44.61 min) versus the control group (231.11 ± 55.83 min, p lt 0.001). Cervical dilatation progressed faster in experimental group compared to control group with the overall mean of 6.15 with a mean of 6.15, p lt 0.001. Normal vaginal delivery rates were higher (55.6% vs. 22.2%), while caesarean section rates were lower (11.1% vs. 31.75%) in the experimental group. No significant associations were found between demographic variables and maternal outcomes in experimental and control group newlineConclusion: newline The birthing ball technique is an effective, low-cost, non-invasive method for reducing labour pain, shortening the duration of labour, and improving maternal outcomes among primi mothers. It is recommended to use this technique as part of routine intrapartum care in similar settings to enhance maternal comfort and promote positive birth experiences. newlineKeywords: newline Birthing ball technique, labor pain, maternal outcome, primi mothers, first stage of labour. newline newline