Journal of midwifery & women's health
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J Midwifery Womens Health · Mar 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of birth ball usage on pain in the active phase of labor: a randomized controlled trial.
Anxiety can be a contributor to labor pain, which is known to be multifactorial. Because there is little information available on the efficacy of birth ball use for labor pain management, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of use of a birth ball on labor pain, contractions, and duration of the active phase of labor. ⋯ Although the use of a birth ball had no effect on the duration of the active phase of labor, the duration of uterine contractions, or the interval between contractions, this complementary treatment could reduce the intensity of pain during the active phase of labor.