Abstract
Objectives: This study was aimed to examine the effects of physical support during the childbirth period on the birth process.
Methods: Research is an experimental randomized controlled study. In the study group, each pregnant woman was directly assisted by using non-pharmacological methods without leaving the woman during her birth. Simultaneous evaluations were made to the control group with routine hospital procedures. Wijma Delivery Expectancy/ Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ)-A was applied to all pregnant women before delivery. Wijma Delivery Expectancy/ Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ)-B version and The Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction at Normal and Cesarean Birth were completed to all pregnant women after delivery.
Results: The need for induction at birth decreased for women who were offered physical support (p = 0.033). The duration of labor for the study group was 657,93 ± 283.69 min. while the control group had 1062,43 ± 673.11 min. (p = 0.004) and the difference between them is statistically significant were determined (p=0,004). It was determined that the rate of episiotomy (p=0,000), fundal press (p=0,000) and fear of birth (p=0,001) decreased after birth. Also, women were found to have higher birth satisfaction (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: It was determined that the physical support applied during the active phase of birth affects the birth process positively.
Keywords: Birth, intrapartum care, physical support, mother satisfaction.
