BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
The Swiss ball has been widely used in different health sectors. It is considered effective to relieve pain and to help labor evolution, however there are few studies. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the Swiss ball on pain relief and active labor duration of primiparous.
METHODS:
This is a randomized and controlled study with 40 primiparous divided in control group and ball group, who carried out pelvic mobility exercises for 30 minutes during active labor. Pain was measured by the numeric categorical scale, before and after therapy, by an assistant researcher. Labor duration was investigated by means of the partograph.
RESULTS:
There has been significant pain decrease in the study group (p<0.001). There has been no difference between groups in labor duration (p=0.37).
CONCLUSION:
The Swiss ball was an effective tool to relieve pain in the beginning of this period and should be encouraged by health professionals assisting parturients.
Labor; Pain; Swiss ball
