Work

Investigation of the effects of peanut ball during labor: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Year: 2025

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Peanut balls, a specific type of positioning aid used during labor, have gained attention for their potential to enhance maternal comfort and facilitate fetal positioning. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of peanut balls on the duration of the first stage of labor, the rate of cesarean section, and maternal satisfaction. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was carried out employing electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The search included articles published from inception to 11 October 2023 with no language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies were considered for inclusion if they met the following criteria: participants were pregnant women in labor; intervention involved using a peanut ball during labor; and primary outcome included duration of labor, and the rate of cesarean section and maternal satisfaction were secondary outcomes. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) tool. Results were synthesized using Review Manager software (RevMan version 5.1), employing both fixed-effect and random-effects models as appropriate, and results were presented as risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences and standardized mean differences for continuous outcomes. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADEpro GDT (Guideline Development Tool). RESULTS: =5.72, p=0.45, I2=0%). Compared to the control group, the women in the peanut ball group were found to have a higher satisfaction level, which was statistically significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The peanut birth ball reduces the first stage of labor duration, and lowers cesarean rates in women with epidural analgesia. While effective and non-invasive, the findings are limited by the risk of bias in some included studies.

Source: European Journal of Midwifery

DOI: 10.18332/ejm/201345

Authors: Somayeh Makvandi, Leila Karimi, Mona Larki, Amirhossein Sahebkar

Institutions: Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Saveetha University

Language: English

Topic: Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,617