The Use of Birth Ball as a Method of Pain Management in Labour

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of using birth ball as a method of pain management in labour.
Methods: This study adopted a non-equivalent control group design to investigate the effect of birth ball as a pain relief management in labour based on pain and anxiety scores. It was conducted in three local public hospitals over the period December 2009 to May 2010. Women in labour who met the inclusion criteria were approached and a birth ball was introduced. Those who chose to use it were identified as the study group, and the others as the controls. Using a visual analogue scale, baseline pain and anxiety states were measured for both groups and then hourly thereafter. After delivery, the study group was asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate their satisfaction on the use of the birth ball.
Results: A total of 217 labouring women were recruited; 110 were in the study group and 107 were the controls. The results showed that use of the birth ball reduced pain and anxiety levels of women in labour. As for its effect on the process and outcomes of labour, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of duration of second stage, rate of vaginal delivery, and episiotomy. However, the duration of the first stage of labour was significantly shorter in the study group (5.3 vs 7.1 hours, p<0.03). After delivery, women in the study group commented that the birth ball could promote comfort and relaxation, and reduced anxiety and pain during labour. The majority (95%) indicated that they would like to use birth ball in future pregnancies.
Conclusion: Our preliminary data suggested that use of the birth ball is safe and offers women an alternate means of pain management in labour.