“Effectiveness of Ambulation During First Stage of Labor on Maternal Parameters Among Primi Mothers in A Selected Hospital at Mangaluru”
Authors: Mrs. Diana Felcy Dsouza, Mrs. Vinaya kumary. T  
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The birthing women experiences, many demanding sensation and discomfort during labour and child birth. The childbearing women commonly tensed about childbirth and delivery. Ambulation during first stage of labour eases the process and it became a popular measure during this phase. Ambulation has also been found to increase foeto-maternal circulation which in turn increases the well-being of the new-born as well. Through the literature review, movement in labour to facilitates the progress of labour and enhance child birth satisfaction. This consciousness made the researcher to supply or issue the method of ambulation during the first stage of labour. With this aim, the study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of ambulation on maternal parameters in first stage of labor among the primi mother.

Materials and Methods: A quasi experimental posttest only control group design was adopted to evaluate the efficacy of ambulation during first stage of labor on maternal parameters among primi mothers. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 40 primi mothers who are in first stage of labor and were assigned into experimental group and control group. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the demographic variable; Numerical pain rating scale was used to assess the intensity of pain, Tool to assess the frequency and duration of uterine contraction, Stethoscope to assess the foetal heart rate and opinionnaire on ambulation was used to assess the maternal parameters. Tool was administered for 20 minutes at different time interval for experimental group only. Mothers in the control group underwent routine treatment. The data obtained was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The study findings showed that there is significant difference in the pain level in both groups. The mean and standard deviation in 2nd post intervention in experimental group is 3.35+0.48 and in control group 2.95+ 0.22. There was significant difference and comparison of cervical dilatation among both the groups. The mean and standard deviation in 2nd post intervention in experimental group is 2.20 +0.41 and in control group 2.10 + 0.30. The comparison of frequency of contraction among both the groups is significant. In this mean and standard deviation in 2nd post intervention in experimental group is 2.20 + 0.41 and in control group 2.10 + 0.00. The comparison of duration of contraction among both the groups is significant. In this mean and standard deviation in 2nd post intervention in experimental group is 2.05 + 0.68 and in control group 2.00 + 0.00 was statistically significant. The comparison of FHR among both the groups is significant. In this mean and standard deviation in 2nd post intervention in experimental group is 3.80 + 0.41 and in control group 3.75 + 0.63. There is no significant difference in control group. There was no significant association between the selected demographic variables with maternal parameters such as pain, cervical dilatation, frequency of contraction, duration of contraction in experimental and control group. There is a significant association between age and fetal heart rate in experimental group.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the ambulation technique is effective to reduce the duration of labor in first stage among primi mothers. The mothers in the experimental group who were administered ambulation technique experienced reduction in the duration of labor.