The Use of Peanut Ball in Labor in Obese Women

The Effect of Peanut Ball Use on Labor Process and Maternal - Neonatal Outcomes in Obese Pregnants

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of peanut ball use on labor process and maternal, neonatal outcomes in obese pregnant women.

After being informed about the study, all participants giving written informed consent, on the active phase of labor (cervical dilatation = 5 cm), the pregnant women in the experimental group will be provided with a position change lasting at least 30 minutes every hour with a peanut ball. The peanut ball will be used with a sheath that is changed for each participant. Pregnant women in the control group will be included in the study during the active phase of labor (cervical dilatation = 5 cm). No intervention will be made by the researcher. They will receive standard care by the service nurse.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Admitted for delivery
• Maternal BMI > 30kg/m2 at admission
• Gestational age > 37 weeks 0 days
• Singleton pregnancy
• Cephalic presentation
• Cervical dilatation less than 5 cm
• Turkish speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pre-pregnancy BMI < 30kg/m2
• Gestational age < 37 weeks 0 days
• Multifetal gestation
• Intrauterine fetal demise
• Musculoskeletal problems
• Receiving magnesium sulfate
• High risk pregnancies (Preeclampsia/eclampsia, cholestasis, intrauterine growth retardation, fetal anomaly, polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios)