Maternal health Pain relief Labour Pregnancy
Conditions
Interventions
Two groups:Birth balls (55 cm or 65 cm) provide a soft surface for women to sit on or lean against while carrying out simple exercises versus no intervention
Sponsors
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Female
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Chinese women able to provide informed consent; Singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation planned for vaginal birth; Gestational age of 37-42 weeks admitted into a single room in labour unit either in spontaneous active labour and second stage not imminent; or for induction of labour; Uncomplicated past obstetrical and antenatal history enabling them to be under independent midwifery care.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Multiple pregnancy; Foetal malpresentation contraindicating vaginal delivery; Complicated pregnancy requiring close monitoring and restricted mobilization; History of caesarean delivery or caesarean delivery planned for this pregnancy.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Pain intensity;Satisfaction with pain relief;Sense of control in labour;Satisfaction with childbirth experience; | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Effect (negative) on mother-baby interaction;Breastfeeding;Assisted vaginal birth;Caesarean section;Admission to special care baby unit or neonatal intensive care unit;Apgar score;Infant outcomes at long-term follow-up;Cost; | — |
Countries
China
Contacts
Public ContactTSANG Katrina
Division of Family Medicine & Primary Healthcare, JC School of Public Health & Primary Care
Outcome results
None listed