The Effect of Labor Dance on Traumatic Childbirth Perception and Comfort: A Randomized Controlled Study

The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Acupressure and cold application are nonpharmacologic methods that midwives can use for labor pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point during labor on labor pain, labor comfort, labor duration, and anxiety.

METHODS

A single-masked, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 nulliparous women, including 50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group. Rotational ice massage was applied to the SP6 point on both legs of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm dilation amounts during 3 contractions. Routine oxytocin was administered to all pregnant women to promote progress of labor. Standard midwifery care was provided to the control group. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a partograph form, the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State subscale.

RESULT

The VAS pain scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group were significantly lower compared with the control group following the intervention at dilatations of 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm (P = .001, P = .003, P <.001, respectively). The total CCQ and comfort level scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 8 to 9 cm cervical dilatation were significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.044, P = .027, respectively). Additionally, as the anxiety levels of the pregnant women increased, their total comfort scores decreased (P <.05).

DISCUSSION

Ice application to the SP6 point during stage 1 of childbirth reduced labor pain, increased comfort, and reduced anxiety levels. No adverse events were found in the intervention group with ice massage applied to the SP6 point. Therefore, this method can be used as a safe and effective midwifery intervention in childbirth.

Fostering childbirth education on upright positions and mobility during labor in nulliparous women

BACKGROUND

Upright labor positions and movement during labor have a positive effect on childbirth, yet the predominant labor positions are still horizontal. Therefore, it is important to explore how it is possible to improve childbirth education, particularly its instructional design, to strengthen women's self-efficacy toward the use of upright positions and mobility during labor. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of an instructional approach based on a cognitive engagement ICAP (Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive) framework on the development of knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy expectations toward upright positions and mobility during labor.

METHODS

A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted among nulliparous women from the ultra-orthodox Jewish community (n = 74). While the control group (n = 34) participated in routine childbirth education, the intervention group (n = 36) learned with childbirth education that included interactive and constructive cognitive engagement activities. Participants in both groups completed a set of questionnaires regarding knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy.

RESULTS

The post-test analysis revealed that women in the intervention group compared to the control group gained significantly higher knowledge scores (p < 0.05), more positive attitudes (p < 0.001), and stronger self-efficacy expectations toward upright positions and mobility during labor (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that by fostering women's cognitive engagement levels during childbirth education toward the interactive and constructive modes of the ICAP framework, women's self-efficacy to move during labor and to use upright positions can be induced. These results can serve as a foundation to improve the overall effectiveness of childbirth instruction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered retrospectively.

Non-Pharmacological Pain Management in Labor: A Systematic Review

Childbirth is a remarkable, life-changing process and is frequently regarded as an excruciating, physically and emotionally demanding experience that women endure. Labor pain management poses a significant challenge for obstetricians and expectant mothers. Although pharmacological pain management is the gold standard, it still imposes risks on the mother and baby. Recently, non-pharmacological pain management (NPPM) has emerged as a safe, effective option. Six databases were searched for articles published up to 2023 using specific related keywords and defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The extraction and gathering of data was made so as to be categorized into physical, psychological, and complementary NPPM techniques. In light of the enormous development and diversity of NPPM techniques, the present review aims to examine contemporary NPPM knowledge and application, discussing efficacy, advantages, limitations, and potential adverse effects, with a specific focus on women's individual requirements, to strengthen obstetricians' knowledge in guiding decision-making for women in childbirth.

Modified lumbo-pelvic exercise to alleviate mild stress urinary incontinence in middle-aged females

Urinary incontinence is one of the common clinical problems of females passing middle age. Traditional pelvic floor muscle training to alleviate urinary incontinence is too dull and unpleasant. Therefore, we were motivated to purpose a modified lumbo-pelvic exercise training incorporating simplified dancing components with pelvic floor muscle training. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 16-week modified lumbo-pelvic exercise program that incorporated dance and abdominal drawing-in maneuvers. Middle-aged females were randomly assigned into the experimental (n = 13) and control (n = 11) groups. Compared to the control group, the exercise group significantly reduced body fat, visceral fat index, waistline, waist-hip ratio, perceived incontinence score, frequency of urine leakage, and pad testing index (p < 0.05). In addition, there were significant improvements in pelvic floor function, vital capacity, and muscle activity of the right rectus abdominis (p < 0.05). This indicated that the modified lumbo-pelvic exercise program can promote benefits of physical training and alleviate urinary incontinence in middle-aged females.