Birthing balls to decrease labor pain and peanut balls to decrease length of labor: what is the evidence?

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Reproductive Health
• Evidence-Based Midwifery

Background:

• Birthing balls and peanut balls are nonpharmacologic adjuncts to labor management, historically used based on anecdotal evidence.
• Their safety and efficacy have been investigated using randomized controlled trials to provide evidence-based recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of birthing balls and peanut balls in labor management.
• To determine if these tools offer benefits for maternal comfort, labor progression, and birth outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
• Analysis of data on maternal pain, labor duration, mode of delivery, and obstetrical complications.

Main Results:

• Birthing balls significantly reduce maternal labor pain by 1.7 points on a 1-10 visual analog scale, without affecting delivery mode or complications.
• Peanut balls significantly decrease the first stage of labor by 87.42 minutes and increase the relative risk of vaginal delivery by 11%, with no increased complications.
• No reported risks associated with the use of either birthing balls or peanut balls.

Conclusions:

• Birthing balls and peanut balls are safe adjuncts to labor management.
• They offer subjective improvement in maternal pain (birthing balls) and facilitate labor progression (peanut balls).
• Both interventions can be recommended for individuals in labor based on moderate quality evidence.