Abstract
AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of using a peanut ball in different positions on the labour process, maternal and neonatal outcomes for parturient women with high maternal body mass index. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted between March 2022 and August 2023 with 59 parturient women. The intervention group (n = 29) was positioned with a peanut ball for 30 min every hour until cervical dilatation reached 5-10 cm. No intervention was made for the control group (n = 30). Data collection tools included the Birth Satisfaction Scale and pain assessment using the visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The mean body mass index was 36.2 and 35.9 kg/m(2) in the intervention and control group, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of active phase duration (p = 0.522). Pain intensity at the end of the active phase was significantly lower in the intervention group (p = 0.001). Perineal trauma, Apgar score, and need for neonatal intensive care did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.706, p = 0.366 and p = 1.000, respectively); however, the Birth Satisfaction Scale score was significantly higher in the intervention group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Increasing use of peanut balls in parturient women with high maternal body mass index may decrease labour pain and improve satisfaction with the labour process. TRIAL REGISTRATION: It was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov in March 2022 (NCT05276947). The trial protocol and statistical analysis plan can be accessed through the registry entry.