Dancing During Labor: Are Women Down to Boogie? [11K

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dancing during the final weeks of pregnancy and in the first stage of labor are recent social media trends. Few studies have evaluated the effects of low-impact dance during the first stage of labor, particularly for pain management and impact on labor duration. As enrollment is often a challenge when conducting prospective studies, we conducted a feasibility study to gauge the willingness of pregnant patients to participate in a future study that would involve low-impact dance during labor. METHODS: During June-July 2019, we anonymously surveyed English speaking/reading pregnant women who were receiving prenatal care at one of three clinics. Data for questions related to demographics, current activity level, pregnancy history, and interest in future participation were collected. Women who did not meet eligibility criteria were excluded from descriptive analyses. The study was approved by local Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: Overall, 132 of the 177 (74%) women approached completed the survey; 89% indicated that they would hypothetically participate in a future study of low-impact dance. Regardless of demographic characteristics, current activity level, and pregnancy history, there was a high rate of interest in future participation. Only 48% and 34% of interested women preferred that dance moves or music were provided, respectively. However, over 70% wanted either a video clip or photo of themselves dancing. CONCLUSION: As 89% of pregnant women would be interested in participating in a future study on low-impact dance during labor, enrollment may be less problematic than previously expected. Such a study is warranted to identify alternative methods for pain management.