Childbirth Experience, Labor Pain, Labor, Second Stage, Perceived Control During Childbirth, Perceived Support During Childbirth, Perineal Mirror Use, Postpartum Perineal Healing, Primiparity, Vaginal Delivery
Conditions
Keywords
Midwifery, Perineal mirror, Second stage of labor, Vaginal birth, Primiparous women, Labor duration, Childbirth pain, Perceived support, Perceived control, REEDA scale, Maternal outcomes, Non-invasive intervention
Brief summary
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of perineal mirror use during the second stage of labor on the duration of the second stage, postpartum recovery, and perceived pain, support, and control levels during delivery. Method: The study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study to examine the effect of perineal mirror use on delivery outcomes in primiparous women. The study population consisted of primiparous pregnant women admitted to the maternity clinic between June 29, 2026, and October 30, 2026. The sample size was calculated using the G\*Power 3.1.9.2 program with an effect size of 0.50, 5% Type I error, and 95% power level; a total of 72 participants were selected, 36 in the intervention group and 36 in the control group. Considering potential losses, the sample size was increased by 10%, and a total of 80 pregnant women were planned to be included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group using a perineal mirror and the control group receiving routine care. The following instruments will be used as data collection tools: Pregnancy Demographic Information Form, REEDA Scale, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Perceived Support and Control in Childbirth Scale. Expected Outcome: It is predicted that the perineal mirror may increase the woman's active participation, motivation, and perceived control by allowing her to see the fetal descent and the progress of labor; consequently, it may reduce the duration of active pushing and the duration of the second stage. It is also thought that it may have positive effects on the birth experience, postpartum recovery, and perceived level of support and control. The research results are expected to provide evidence for non-invasive and low-cost applications that can be used in childbirth care.
Interventions
A perineal mirror will be positioned at the foot of the delivery bed during the active pushing phase of the second stage of labor. The mirror will allow the woman to visualize fetal descent and birth progress while continuing routine intrapartum care. The intervention is non-invasive, does not alter standard clinical management, and is intended to enhance maternal participation, motivation, perceived control, and support during childbirth.
Sponsors
Study design
Masking description
No masking will be used in this study. Participants, care providers, investigators, and outcome assessors will be aware of group assignments because the perineal mirror intervention is visible and cannot be concealed during labor.
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups. Women in the intervention group will receive perineal mirror use during the active pushing phase of the second stage of labor in addition to routine intrapartum care. Women in the control group will receive routine intrapartum care only. Outcomes related to the duration of the second stage of labor, postpartum perineal healing, perceived pain, perceived support, and perceived control during childbirth will be compared between groups.
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
* Women aged 19 and over * Women with term pregnancy (38+0 - 41+6) * Women with singleton pregnancy * Women who have had spontaneous vaginal delivery * Primiparous pregnant women * Women who voluntarily agree to participate in the study will be included.
Exclusion criteria
* Women with high-risk pregnancies * Women with multiple pregnancies
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of the Second Stage of Labor | During labor (second stage of labor) | Duration of the second stage of labor, measured in minutes from complete cervical dilatation to birth. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)