Swiss Ball Exercise In Active Phase Of Labor: A Review Of Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Childbirth is a transformative yet painful experience which impacts the mother physically and psychologically. Managing labor and pain is the crucial for the well-being of the mother and the neonates. There are two ways in which labor pain can be reduced namely pharmacological and non-pharmacological method such as birth ball which has been widely used for the better birthing experience. To evaluate the evidence-based insights of using Swiss ball exercises during the active phase of labor and to reviews its impact on pain intensity, duration of labor, maternal and neonatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: This review encompasses 12 studies conducted between 2011 and 2024, utilizing database like PubMed and Scopus to investigate the effectiveness of Swiss ball exercise during labor. Results: The findings indicated that Swiss ball exercises during labor offers significant benefits for mothers. It helped in alleviating the pain and shortening the first and second stage of labor making the labor less physically and emotionally tiring. It enhanced maternal satisfaction, and it helped in reduction in caesarean section risks and vulvar swelling and reduced the overall complications associated with childbirth. However, the uncertain neonatal outcome highlights a gap in knowledge and the need for further studies. Conclusion: Implementing a standardized Swiss ball exercise during labor has the potential to decrease pain, duration of labor and improved maternal satisfaction but there was no change in neonatal outcomes.