Effectiveness of counterpressure technique with a birth ball on cervical dilatation and reduction of labour pain and uterine contractions: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background/Aim: Non-pharmacological interventions play a crucial role in managing labour pain and facilitating labour progression. The counter-pressure technique is a commonly utilised method purported to alleviate pain and enhance cervical dilation during childbirth. However, its effective-ness remains a subject of debate, necessitating further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the counterpressure technique in managing labour pain and influencing labour progression among women in labour. Method: A randomised controlled trial was conducted involving participants in active labour. The intervention group received the counterpres-sure technique, while the control group received standard care. Pain levels, uterine contractions and cervical dilation were assessed and compared between the two groups. Results: Analysis revealed no significant difference in pain levels or uterine contractions between the intervention and control groups. However, there was a significant increase in cervical dilation in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.034, Cohen's d = -0.586). Conclusion: Despite the counterpressure technique's limited impact on pain relief and uterine contractions, it significantly facilitated cervical dilation during labour. These findings contribute to understanding of non-phar-macological interventions in childbirth and underscore the importance of evidence-based approaches to labour management. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the counterpressure technique and optimise its implementation in clinical practice.

Keywords

• labour pain
• obstetric labour complications
• counterpressure technique
• birth ball
• non-pharmacological pain management