Effect of Birthing Ball Exercises during Pregnancy on the First Stage Progress of Labor

This study aimed to assess the effect of birthing ball exercises during pregnancy on the first stage progress of labor. Methods: This study followed a quasi–experimental research design. Setting: The study was conducted at the Antenatal clinic of Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist center and labor unit at Mansoura University Hospitals from August 2017 to July 2018. The study sample was 150 pregnant females admitted to the antenatal clinic in the previously mentioned setting. Tools: Tool Istructured interview questionnaire to assess general characteristics of women and obstetrical data for women. Tool II: Exercise schedule card designed & used by the researcher which recorded time of total pregnancy visits, types ,times & numbers of birthing ball exercises that done in every session for pregnant women were practiced birthing ball exercises. Tool III: The Partograph: It was adopted& used by ( WHO , 2015 ) to measure the progress of labor in term of cervical dilatation , effacement , descent of fetal head , & uterine contraction progress. Tool IV: The Bishop Score: It was adopted from (Newman et al., 2008). It was measured the readiness of the cervix for induction of labor. Tool V: Visual analog pain intensity scale (VAS): It was a standardized linear scale developed by (MeCaffery & Pasero, 1999). It was be adopted and used by the researcher to assess the severity of pain. Results: This study showed there was no significant differences among control and intervention groups regarding general characteristics and obstetric history this mean that both groups were matched . Regarding effect of birthing ball exercises on first stage of labor : all items of Bishop score were significantly better in intervention group (t=2.758 p 0.007 ). Showed statistically significant differences (X2=24.960, MEP0.000) according maternal gestational age at delivery that progress at first stage of labor among control and intervention groups. Fluid use was significantly more in intervention group than control group (X2 = 11.401 , p 0.001) . Oxytocin used was significantly higher in intervention group (X2= 27.170, P0.000). Uterine contractions were significantly sever in intervention group more than control group ( X2=11.545 , P 0.003 ) . The duration of first stage of labor was reduced among intervention than control groups ( X2=19.718 , MEP 0.000 ). Maternal body mass index (BMI) at delivery was greater statistical significantly in intervention group than control group .regarding visual analogue pain intensity was significantly higher among intervention group ( 7.347±1.470 )than in control group ( 6.216±1.940 ) the study subjects exercised using birthing ball during pregnancy with statistically significant correlation (X2 40.370 , MEP =0.000 ) with better outcome during first stage of labor and mode of delivery among control and intervention groups .Recommendation, study recommended performing birthing ball exercises during pregnancy in order to have better outcome on the first stage of labor.