Breathing Exercises Guided by Student Midwives During Labor

The Effect of Breathing Exercises Applied Under the Guidance of Student Midwives During Birth on Labor Pain, Labor Duration and Birth Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of breathing exercises applied under the guidance of student midwives during labor on labor pain, labor duration, and birth satisfaction. The intervention group received structured breathing exercises guided by student midwives throughout labor, while the control group received routine intrapartum care. Outcomes were assessed during labor and in the early postpartum period

This study is designed to evaluate the effect of a midwifery-led intervention on labor pain intensity and birth satisfaction among women giving birth vaginally. The study will be conducted as a controlled clinical study in a maternity hospital setting. Eligible pregnant women who are admitted to the labor ward and meet the inclusion criteria will be invited to participate and will provide informed consent prior to enrollment.

The study aims to determine whether the midwifery-led intervention is associated with reduced labor pain intensity and improved birth satisfaction compared to routine care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged 18 years and older

Term pregnancy (≥37 weeks of gestation)

Singleton pregnancy

Planning vaginal birth

In the active phase of labor

Able to communicate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• High-risk pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, placenta previa, severe medical complications)

Multiple pregnancy

Planned cesarean section

Use of pharmacological pain relief at admission (e.g., epidural analgesia)

Known fetal anomalies

Inability to participate in breathing exercises