The Effect of Stress Ball on Labor Pain, Anxiety and Satisfaction in Labor

Birth is accepted as one of the physiological behaviors that have existed since the beginning of mankind and whose formation cycle has not changed. Birth is a health condition that many women desire at some point in their lives. While birth is a normal physiological process and should be an important tool for happiness, it also carries risks such as pain, suffering and discomfort. For this reason, one of the first thoughts a pregnant woman has about childbirth is labor pain. Birth pain is a central and universal part of a woman birth experience.Causes of labor pain include psychological factors such as fear and anxiety, previous experiences, birth environment, lack of information and inadequate support, as well as physical causes such as uterine contractions, cervical dilatation and effacement. Anxiety and tension experienced by pregnant women during the labor process can slow down the progress of labor. Anxiety also reduces women self-confidence, and pregnant women perceive themselves as inadequate and incompetent. Anxiety experienced during labor leads women to cesarean section at their own request.

Utilizing non-pharmacologic and supportive methods to reduce labor pain is an important part of nursing/midwifery practices. Providing alternatives that allow women to make active decision-making to reduce pain management and anxiety during labor may affect pain, anxiety and hormonal oscillations. Currently, alternative strategies to reduce the use of medication during labor are being considered.

In line with the results of this study, it is thought that the stress ball may be effective in labor, where anxiety and pain are frequently experienced.

After obtaining all official permissions, it is planned to collect the data face-to-face. In the data collection phase, the researcher will first explain the purpose of the study to the women who meet the inclusion criteria and inform them about the study through written consent of the women will be obtained. When the women in the control and experimental groups are admitted to the delivery room, the Introductory Information ; will be collected by the researcher by face-to-face interview method. In addition,;State Anxiety Scale; will be administered during the first admission, VAS before cervical dilatation 0-3 cm, 3-8 cm and 8-10 cm and before placenta emergence, and ;State Anxiety Scale; will be administered when dilatation is 0-3 and 3-8 cm (at the beginning and end of the active phase of labor).;Birth Satisfaction Scale; will be administered in the first 24 hours after delivery before the patient is discharged. Data collection will be done similarly in both groups.

According to randomization, pregnant women in the intervention group will receive ;stress ball therapy; during labor.