A mobile application for early labour support -feasibility pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Maternal Health
• Evidence-Based Interventions

Background:

• Mobile application use is rising during pregnancy.
• Few pregnancy apps are evidence-based or scientifically evaluated.
• This study addresses the need for validated digital tools in maternal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a mobile application based on the Confident birth method.
• To evaluate the perceived usefulness and usability of the app.
• To explore preliminary effects of the app on the childbirth experience.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach with 48 pregnant women.
• App group (n=24) used the app; control group (n=24) did not.
• Data collected via baseline measures, follow-up phone calls, and post-birth questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Women found the app exercises simple, understandable, and useful.
• Excellent system usability was indicated by a mean score of 85.3.
• No significant differences in early labor or childbirth experience between groups.

Conclusions:

• The Confident birth mobile application is perceived as useful and appreciated by pregnant women.
• Specific areas for app improvement were identified.
• The study supports further efficacy testing in a randomized controlled trial.