Did the peanut ball work for you? Duet with @tofffuuu_ Reducing Length of Labor and Cesarean Surgery Rate Using a Peanut Ball for Women Laboring With an Epidural, J Perinat Educ. 2015; 24(1): 16–24. “There are multiple benefits associated with maternal position changes, including decreased pain, increased maternal–fetal circulation, improved quality of uterine contractions, decreased length of labor, and facilitation of fetal descent. A laboring woman with an epidural is limited in the number of different positions she can try. Midwives were the first to use a round exercise ball as a nonpharmacological means to facilitate progression of labor. The ball is believed to enhance labor by optimally positioning the fetus in relation to the pelvis. A “peanut ball” is shaped like a peanut shell, where the middle circumference is smaller than the ends. To facilitate the desired upright position for successful labor progression, a peanut ball could be placed between a woman’s legs while she is limited to staying in bed. The ball is supported in place with a pillow behind the woman’s hips to support the woman’s legs. Based on previous knowledge of maternal position changes, it was hypothesized that the simple placement of the peanut ball between a laboring woman’s legs could increase pelvic diameter and allow more room for fetal descent. Although the peanut ball is currently used in labor and birth units, little research exists to support its effectiveness in improving labor outcomes. Results showed that women using the peanut ball during labor had a significantly shorter length of second stage labor. In addition, the cesarean rate for those that used the peanut ball was statistically lower than those women who did not use the peanut ball. Pharmacologic (induction and augmentation) and instrument (forceps and vacuum) intervention were lower in the peanut ball intervention group, but the difference was not statistically significant.” #laboranddelivery #childbirth #birth #peanutball