Date of Award

5-9-2015

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School Name

Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Department

Nursing

Major Advisor

Dr. Sherill Nones Cronin

Second Advisor

Dr. Ta'Neka Vaden-Lindsay

Third Advisor

Dr. Ann Grider

Abstract

The purpose for this capstone project was to use a Peanut Ball, to mimic a sitting or squatting position, for decreasing length of first and second stages of labor. In addition, this project was designed to incorporate qualitative data on women’s perception of using the Peanut Ball during labor. The project question was “For laboring women, will use of a Peanut Ball for positioning, as compared to no use of a Peanut Ball, decrease length of first and/or second stages of labor?” The results included a significantly longer second stage of labor in the intervention group (75.63 minutes) when compared with the control group (57.84 minutes). Qualitative data concluded 64% of women using the Peanut Ball stated it help facilitate progress of labor and 71% would recommend use of the Peanut Ball. Additional findings included the intervention group had a significantly higher (27%) use of passive descent during second stage (laboring down) when compared with the control group (9%). Cesarean section rates were reduced in the first and second months of the study ranging from 8.2% to 6.76%. Limitation included the groups were not homogenous or occurring at the same time. While the study didn’t show a reduction in first or second stages of labor; the Peanut Ball received positive feedback from laboring women. In addition, a longer second stage was associated with an increased number of women using passive descent during second stage of labor and a reduction in primary cesarean section rates.

Download

Share

COinS