Effects of Using Birth Ball and Peanut Ball For Pregnant Women in Labour: Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Childbirth, while a natural physiological process, poses significant challenges due to intense
labour pain caused by ischemic changes in the uterus, cervical stretching, and tissue damage in the perineum.
Non-pharmacological methods, such as the use of birth balls and peanut balls, have emerged as effective
tools to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and improve labour outcomes without the side effects associated
with pharmacological interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these interventions on
labour progress, pain relief, and delivery outcomes.
Methodlogy: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Adichunchanagiri Hospital and Research

Centre over 18 months. Participants included primigravida and multigravida women with singleton pregnan-
cies in cephalic presentation and gestational ages over 37 weeks. Using block randomization, 128 women

were divided into two groups: a trial group utilizing birth and peanut balls and a control group receiving
standard care. The trial group underwent training sessions to perform exercises such as pelvic rocking and
squatting, designed to improve pelvic mobility and fetal alignment. Pain levels were assessed using the
Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and outcomes were analyzed using SPSS software with a significance threshold of
p < 0.05.
Results: The trial group exhibited significantly better outcomes in labour progress and pain management
compared to the control group. Cervical dilation rates were higher in the trial group (Bishop’s Score 6–8:
84.4% vs. 51.6%; p=0.00), and total labour duration was shorter (621.47 ± 158.414 minutes vs. 702 ± 149.603
minutes; p=0.022). Pain scores after exercise were significantly reduced in the trial group (VAS score: 5.75 ±
0.617 vs. 8.92 ± 0.27; p<0.001). Normal vaginal deliveries were more frequent in the trial group (84.3% vs.
65.6%; p=0.045), and cesarean section rates were lower (12.5% vs. 26.6%; p=0.045).
Conclusion: Birth and peanut balls offer a gentle, non-invasive, and effective method for pain relief and improved labour outcomes. They present a valuable addition to routine obstetric care and should be in-
corporated into clinical practice to enhance maternal and neonatal health. Future multi-center trials are recommended to validate these findings and explore their long-term impacts.