The Effect of Birth Ball and Birth Dance Applied in the First Stage of Labor on Some Parameters

Aim: The study was conducted to investigate the effect of birth ball and birth dance practices applied in the first stage of labour on pain, mode of delivery, maternal satisfaction and duration of labour. Material and Method: This study was conducted as a randomised controlled clinical trial between July 2023 and December 2024. The population of the study consisted of pregnant women who applied to Amasya University Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Training and Research Hospital Delivery Department between January 2024 and August 2024. The sample group consisted of a total of 104 primiparous pregnant women, 35 A (round ball group), 33 B (birth dance group) and 36 C (control group), who met the inclusion criteria and were determined by power analysis. Data were collected by using 'Descriptive Information Form', 'Verbal Category Scale', 'Visual Analogue Scale', 'Partograph' and 'Maternal Satisfaction in Childbirth Assessment Scale'. Results: In active phase of labour, birth ball and birth dance practice caused a significant decrease in pain perceptions of pregnant women (p\<0.05). It was determined that level of cervical dilatation progressed faster in pregnant women who were administered a round birth ball during labour compared to the other groups. It was also determined that application of birth ball and birth dance in labour accelerated level of fetal head descent in the active phase of labour, shortened duration of the active phase, affected the duration and number of contractions and did not affect labour satisfaction according to the cut-off score of the Maternal Satisfaction in Childbirth Assessment Scale.

Conclusion: The application of birth ball and birth dance in the active phase of labour was found to reduce labour pain, accelerate the level of fetal head descent, shorten duration of the active phase, and affect duration and number of contractions.

Birth ball and birth dance practices are among the primary methods used to provide freedom of movement to women during birth. These methods enable the woman to benefit from all the opportunities provided by the upright position and are important in the normal course of action. One of the main points of birth ball and birth dance practices is squatting. Squatting is a posture in which the legs are opened to the sides and the knees are bent. This position facilitates birth by widening the pelvic outlet.

A birthing ball is one of the methods that help mothers cope with labor pain. Exercise with a birthing ball is considered a useful, non-pharmacological strategy The main advantages of birthing ball exercise during pregnancy include postural corrections, relaxation, stretching and strengthening muscles. Sekendiz et al stated that movements performed with a birth ball increase the strength, resistance, flexibility and balance of the trunk, waist and quadriceps muscles. The use of a birth ball and similar non-pharmacological interventions reduce the need for epidural anesthesia, episiotomy and interventional birth. However, no side effects on mother and baby health have been reported

The birthing ball, also known as the Swiss ball and the Petzi ball, was developed in 1963 and has been used in physical applications of neurodevelopmental therapy. Perez and Simkin introduced the birthing ball as a birthing tool to professional birth assistants, midwives, nurses and students who provide childbirth education since the 1980s. Perez (2001) stated that the use of a birth ball during pregnancy and birth is physically beneficial.

Birth dance is one of the non-pharmacological practices that allows freedom of massage and position changes with the support of the spouse/partner. During the birth dance, the pregnant woman puts her hands on her partner's shoulders and performs pelvic tilt movements accompanied by music; His back and sacrum are massaged by his partner.

Dance, one of the non-pharmacological methods used in birth; It may be a way to reduce technological and medical interventions during labor while also promoting the progression of labor. In many cultures, an upright position during labor is common. An upright position and mobility during labor is recommended because this is likely to improve maternal and fetal circulation while also It also increases maternal comfort.

There are studies on birth ball and birth dance in the relevant literature. However, no study comparing birth dance and birth ball applications has been found in the literature.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Those who agree to participate in the research, are over 18 years old and speak Turkish,
* Primiparous pregnant women who do not have any physical or chronic disease and are in the latent phase,
* Pregnant women who do not have a risky pregnancy,
* 38-42. gestational age, singleton pregnant women,
* Absence of diagnosed fetal malformations,
* No medical problems at the beginning of the study,
* Amniotic membranes are not opened,
* Women who are at least primary school graduates will be included in the research.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women who received epidural analgesia in the first stage of labor,
* Pregnant women whose labor lasts less than 3 hours will not be included in the study.
* In case of any complications or cesarean section, the sample will be removed from the study.