Dimming the labor room to reduce pain, anxiety, and speed labor
The Effects of Dim Light (≤80 Lux) Exposure During Labor on Pain, Anxiety, and Labor Progress: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
We will test whether keeping the labor room dim (50–80 lux) during active labor helps reduce pain and anxiety and shortens labor for women at term.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Nigde Omer Halisdemir University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Niğde, Niğde Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07310602 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, parallel-group randomized trial enrolls term pregnant women in active labor and randomly assigns them to either a dim-light environment (50–80 lux) or standard room lighting while routine obstetric care continues. Lighting in the intervention rooms is set using warm/amber sources and regularly checked with a lux meter to maintain target illumination. Pain and anxiety are measured at predefined time points with validated scales, and labor progress, interventions, delivery mode, and neonatal outcomes are recorded from clinical charts. The primary outcome is change in maternal pain intensity over time, with secondary outcomes including anxiety levels, duration of labor stages, use of augmentation, and newborn outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18–45 with a singleton, vertex pregnancy at ≥37 weeks who are in active labor (4–8 cm) and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with planned or ongoing epidural analgesia, multiple pregnancy, severe obstetric complications, photosensitivity, or psychiatric conditions affecting anxiety assessment are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, dimming the labor room could make labor feel less painful and less stressful and may modestly shorten active labor, improving the birth experience.
How similar studies have performed: High-quality evidence is limited and prior research on lighting during labor is sparse and mixed, so this specific approach remains relatively untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Pregnant individuals aged 18-45 years Singleton pregnancy Vertex (cephalic) presentation Gestational age ≥37 weeks Active labor at enrollment (cervical dilation between 4 and 8 cm) Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Planned or ongoing epidural analgesia Multiple pregnancy Severe preeclampsia or other obstetric complications requiring immediate intervention Known photosensitivity or light-related sensitivity disorders History of psychiatric disorders that may interfere with anxiety assessment Any condition deemed by the clinical team to require deviation from the study protocol
Where this trial is running
Niğde, Niğde Province
- Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Hospital — Niğde, Niğde Province, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pınar Erdoğan, Assoc. Prof.
- Email: pinar.erdogan@ohu.edu.tr
- Phone: +905233646954
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.