Using a stress ball during labor to reduce pain and anxiety

Phd Student Msc Midwifery Öznur HAYAT ÖKTEM

NA · Gulhane School of Medicine · NCT06436859

This study tests if using a stress ball can help women in labor feel less pain and anxiety while improving their overall experience during childbirth.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorGulhane School of Medicine (other)
Locations1 site (Karabük)
Trial IDNCT06436859 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of using a stress ball on labor pain, anxiety, and satisfaction levels among women in labor at Karabük Training and Research Hospital. It aims to determine whether this non-pharmacological intervention can alleviate discomfort and improve the overall birthing experience. The study focuses on women who are at least 38 weeks pregnant with a single, healthy fetus and are in the early stages of labor. By providing an alternative method for pain management, the research seeks to empower women during childbirth and enhance their satisfaction with the labor process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women at 38 weeks or more with a single, healthy fetus who are in the latent phase of labor.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with complications such as gestational diseases, those requiring a cesarean section, or those who are unable to participate due to language or cognitive barriers.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a simple and effective way for women to manage labor pain and anxiety, leading to a more positive childbirth experience.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of non-pharmacological methods for pain management in labor has been explored, this specific approach using a stress ball is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being at 38 weeks or more of pregnancy,
* Having a single, healthy fetus in head position,
* Applying during the latent phase of labor (cervical dilatation between 0-3 cm), .To give birth vaginally.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having become pregnant through assisted reproductive techniques,
* Having a gestational or chronic disease,
* Having an obstacle to giving birth vaginally,
* Suspicion of fetal anomaly,
* Not volunteering to work,
* Women under the age of 18,
* Women who are illiterate in Turkish,
* Decision to perform caesarean section during labor,
* The participant wishes to withdraw from the research,
* Development of fetal distress,
* Using vacuum or forceps during birth, .Women with vision, hearing or mental problems.

Where this trial is running

Karabük

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pregnancy, Labor, Stress ball, labor pain, anxiety, satisfaction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.