Evaluation of the Effect of Sling and Swing Positions to Pregnant Women in Labour on the Labour Process and Birth Outcomes

In the sample calculation of the study, the sufficient sample size to be studied with a power of 95% based on d=0.8 (large) effect size alpha=0.05 was calculated using the G*Power 3.1.9.4 program, 35 for the application group and 35 for the control group, a total of 70 people.

According to Robson scoring, the midwife can follow the birth process and Pregnant women who are in the active phase of the first stage of labor (5 cm cervical dilatation) are inclusion criterias.

In the study, data have been collected using Introductory Information and Birth Process Follow-up Form and Postpartum Satisfaction Form were developed by the researchers.

For intervention group:

1. While the pregnant woman has 6 cm cervical dilatation examination, the flexible fabric will pass under the arms of the pregnant woman to form a hanger shape. The pregnant woman will be asked to hold the fabric on her feet in a squat and the hanging technique will be applied for 10 minutes. Then, a swing shape will be created in such a way that the flexible fabric will wrap around the chest area of the pregnant woman. The pregnant woman will be asked to hold the fabric in a squat above the knee and the rocking technique will be applied for 10 minutes. The comfort of the pregnant woman will be questioned throughout the procedure. Subsequently, uterine contractions, fetal heart rate, fetal head level, position and presence of molding will be evaluated.
2. Until the completion of the first stage of labor (10 cm cervical dilatation, 100% cervical effacement), the pregnant will be held in the hanging position for 10 minutes and rocking position for 10 minutes, once an hour. Uterine contractions, fetal heartbeat, fetal head level, position and presence of molding will be evaluated after each application, hourly.