Differences in birth ball use on the duration of the active phase of first-stage labor in primigravida mothers
Keywords:
birth ball, childbirth, first stage of labor, active phase, primigravidaAbstract
Prolonged labor remains an important clinical problem because it increases maternal fatigue, anxiety, infection risk, postpartum hemorrhage, and fetal compromise. The active phase of the first stage of labor is a critical period for monitoring cervical dilatation and fetal descent, especially in primigravida mothers who often experience a longer labor process. Birth ball exercise is a simple non-pharmacological method that supports upright positioning, pelvic mobility, and maternal comfort during labor. This study analyzed the difference in the duration of the active phase of first stage labor between primigravida mothers who used a birth ball and those who did not use a birth ball at Paminggir Public Health Center. This study used a quasi-experimental static-group comparison design. The sample consisted of 40 primigravida mothers in active phase labor, divided into 20 mothers in the intervention group and 20 mothers in the control group. The intervention group performed birth ball exercise with pelvic rocking, while the control group received standard mobilization support without a birth ball. Labor progress was recorded using a partograph and maternal card. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The mean duration of the active phase of first stage labor was 156.8 minutes in the intervention group and 259.6 minutes in the control group. The median duration was 132 minutes in the intervention group and 262.5 minutes in the control group. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference between the two groups with p < 0.001. Birth ball use significantly shortened the active phase of first stage labor among primigravida mothers. Birth ball exercise can be integrated into midwifery care as a safe, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention when applied with proper assessment and supervision.
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