The effect of delivery ball and warm shower on the childbirth experience of nulliparous women: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Abstract Background Childbirth is a unique experience that affects women’s life. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the effect of delivery ball and warm shower on the childbirth experience of primiparous women. Methods This study is a clinical trial that was carried out on primiparous pregnant women referred to Motazedi Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. Sampling was done by continuous method and pregnant women were divided into three groups of delivery ball-warm shower (n = 33), delivery ball (n = 33) and control (n = 33). Exercise with ball at the dilation of 4 cm was similar in the two groups of delivery ball-warm shower and delivery ball, but the first group also used warm shower at the dilatation of 7 cm. The control group only received the routine delivery care. Demographic information form consisting of pregnancy history and information about the mother and infant were completed and the childbirth experience questionnaire (CEQ) were completed by the women two hours after the childbirth. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of childbirth experience after the intervention between the two groups of delivery ball-warm shower and control (P = 0.001), and also between the delivery ball and control groups (P = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of professional support between the two groups of delivery ball-warm shower and control (P = 0.02) and also between the delivery ball and control groups (p = 0.02). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of participation between the two groups of delivery ball-warm shower and control (P = 0.003) and also between the delivery ball and control groups (P = 0.01). There was also a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of sense of security between the two groups of delivery ball-warm shower and control (P = 0.01). Conclusion Delivery ball and warm shower were effective interventions to create a positive childbirth experience. This method was more effective than using delivery ball alone in childbirth experience. To achieve a positive experience of childbirth in mothers, the use of both intervention (delivery ball and warm shower) is recommended.