Description

1. Background and Introduction

Labor pain is recognized as one of the most intense forms of physiological pain experienced in human medicine. Although pain during childbirth is a natural and expected process, contemporary evidence-based practice supports the provision of pain relief upon maternal request, with maternal preference for analgesia considered a sufficient clinical indication. Epidural analgesia (EA) is widely regarded as the most effective pharmacological method for labor pain relief. By administering local anesthetic agents into the epidural space, EA produces a dense sensory block of the lower abdomen and lower extremities, significantly reducing or abolishing labor pain while generally preserving maternal consciousness and cooperation.

Globally, the use of epidural analgesia during labor varies but is particularly common in high-resource healthcare settings. Utilization rates range from approximately 20% to 80% of laboring women, with national estimates indicating use in around 67% of parturients in the United States, 60% in the United Kingdom, and nearly 80% in France. Despite high maternal satisfaction and effective pain control, epidural analgesia has been associated in some studies with prolonged labor, particularly during the first and second stages, and with increased rates of instrumental vaginal delivery and cesarean section. These associations remain a subject of ongoing clinical and research debate.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes maternal mobility and optimal positioning during labor as essential strategies to promote physiological birth, facilitate fetal descent, and reduce unnecessary obstetric interventions. However, in routine clinical practice, women receiving epidural analgesia frequently experience restricted mobility due to partial motor blockade, continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, and bed confinement. These factors limit the use of upright and gravity-assisted positions that may otherwise support labor progress and optimal fetal positioning. 2. Maternal Labor Positions and Peanut Ball Use

Multiple maternal positions are recommended during labor to optimize uteroplacental perfusion, encourage fetal rotation, and enhance maternal comfort. These include lateral positions, semi-sitting postures, and modified sitting positions such as the Taylor position.

The left lateral position reduces aortocaval compression, improves uteroplacental blood flow, enhances fetal oxygenation, and may facilitate rotation of the fetus from occiput posterior to occiput anterior. The right lateral position provides similar physiological benefits while preventing prolonged pressure on one side. Semi-sitting or semi-reclining positions utilize gravity to assist fetal engagement and may shorten the second stage of labor. The Taylor (modified sitting) position increases the subpubic angle and pelvic outlet diameter, promoting fetal descent and spontaneous vaginal birth.

Birthing balls have emerged as low-cost, non-pharmacological interventions to support physiological labor. Among these, the peanut birthing ball-a peanut-shaped inflatable device placed between the thighs or knees-has gained popularity, particularly among women receiving epidural analgesia who have limited mobility. The peanut ball facilitates hip abduction, widens pelvic dimensions, maintains optimal spinal alignment, and simulates upright or squatting positions while allowing the woman to remain in bed.

Several randomized controlled trials have examined the impact of peanut ball use during labor, reporting potential benefits such as reduced duration of labor, improved cervical dilation, higher rates of spontaneous vaginal birth, and reduced primary cesarean delivery. However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported inconsistent findings, with some demonstrating benefit and others showing no statistically significant differences compared with standard care.

3\. Evidence Gaps and Rationale

Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses highlight significant heterogeneity in peanut ball intervention protocols, including variations in positioning type, frequency, duration, and timing. Many studies rely on unsystematic or clinician-driven repositioning rather than standardized schedules, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions.

Although maternal mobility and peanut ball use during epidural labor appear safe, their effectiveness in improving labor and neonatal outcomes remains inconclusive. Authors consistently call for well-designed randomized controlled trials employing structured and standardized positioning protocols with robust outcome measurement.

At the Women's Wellness and Research Center (WWRC) in Doha, Qatar, epidural analgesia is widely used, particularly among primigravida women. Although peanut birthing balls are available in the Labor and Delivery Unit, their use is not standardized, and maternal positioning is typically guided by individual clinician preference rather than evidence-based protocols. This gap between available resources and optimal practice provides the rationale for the present study.

4\. Study Objectives Primary Objective

To evaluate the effect of scheduled maternal position changes using a peanut birthing ball during labor, compared with standard intrapartum care, on maternal and neonatal outcomes among primigravida women receiving epidural analgesia.

Primary maternal outcomes include:

1. Duration of the first and second stages of labor
2. Mode of delivery (spontaneous vaginal, instrumental, or cesarean)
3. Use of intrapartum oxytocin augmentation
4. Estimated blood loss and postpartum hemorrhage
5. Degree of perineal trauma
6. Total hospitalization cost

Primary neonatal outcomes include:

1. Apgar scores at 5 and 10 minutes
2. Admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
3. Birth-related injuries
4. Umbilical cord blood pH

Secondary Objective

To examine the association between selected socio-demographic and clinical variables (age, educational level, nationality, employment status, gestational age, and body mass index) and the effect of scheduled maternal positioning using a peanut birthing ball. 5. Study Design and Classification

This study is a prospective, non-invasive, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted at a single tertiary maternity center.

Participants will be randomized to:

1. Intervention Group: Scheduled maternal position changes using a peanut birthing ball plus standard intrapartum care
2. Control Group: Standard intrapartum care without peanut ball use and without structured positioning

Randomization allows causal assessment of the intervention effect while minimizing bias through standardized protocols.

6\. Study Setting and Population

The study will be conducted in the Labor and Delivery Unit of the Women's Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. The unit manages over 1,300 births per month and follows evidence-based obstetric and midwifery practices.

7\. Sample Size and Randomization

Based on prior studies reporting an effect size of approximately 0.66, a sample size of 45 participants per group provides 80% power at a 5% significance level. Allowing for a 20% attrition rate, a total of 110 participants (55 per group) will be recruited.

Randomization will be performed using computer-generated random numbers with allocation concealment. Due to the nature of the intervention, participant and provider blinding is not feasible; however, outcome assessors and data analysts will remain blinded to group allocation.

8\. Intervention and Control Conditions Intervention Group

Participants will receive standard intrapartum care plus a structured positioning protocol using a peanut birthing ball following epidural analgesia. Scheduled position changes will include left lateral, right lateral, semi-sitting, and Taylor positions, implemented every 30-60 minutes as clinically appropriate. All positioning will be supervised by trained nursing and midwifery staff.

Control Group

Participants will receive routine intrapartum care following epidural analgesia without the use of a peanut birthing ball or structured positioning schedule.

9\. Data Collection and Outcomes

Data will be collected prospectively through real-time observation and electronic medical records. No biological specimens will be collected.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes will be recorded using standardized study forms and entered into a secure electronic database.

10\. Data Management and Confidentiality

All participants will be assigned unique study codes. Identifiable information will be stored separately from research data. Electronic data will be password-protected, and paper records will be stored in locked cabinets. Only authorized research personnel will have access to the data.

11\. Safety Monitoring

The intervention is considered minimal risk. Continuous maternal and fetal monitoring will be maintained. Any adverse events will be documented and reported according to institutional guidelines.

12\. Statistical Analysis

Descriptive statistics will summarize baseline characteristics. Comparative analyses will use appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests. Multivariable models will adjust for potential confounders. Statistical significance will be set at p \< 0.05.

13\. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice guidelines, and institutional regulations. Ethical approval will be obtained prior to study initiation. Participation will be voluntary, and participants may withdraw at any time without impact on clinical care.

14\. Funding and Dissemination

Funding is requested from the Hamad Medical Corporation Medical Research Center. Findings will be disseminated through institutional reports, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.