Impact of Peanut Ball Device on the Duration of Active Labor: A Randomized Control Trial

Am J Perinatol. 2018 Aug;35(10):1006-1011. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1636531. Epub 2018 Mar 6.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether the use of a peanut ball device shortens the duration of active labor in nulliparas.

Study design: Single-site, nonblinded randomized trial in nulliparous women admitted for labor or labor induction. English-speaking women > 18 years of age with singleton pregnancies were enrolled. Participants were randomized to the use of peanut ball or usual care upon reaching the active phase of labor (≥ 6 cm cervical dilation) with an epidural. Primary outcome was rate of cervical dilation. Secondary outcomes were rates of cesarean delivery and fetal presentation at time of full dilation or delivery.

Results: Ninety-six patients enrolled; 63 reached full cervical dilation. There was no statistically significant difference in rates of cervical dilation (0.98cm/h vs. 0.79cm/h, p = 0.27) or length of labor (315 minutes vs. 387 minutes, p = 0.14) between the groups. There was no difference in the rates of cesarean delivery (33% vs. 35%, p = 0.8) or occiput posterior presentation. (28% vs. 9%, p = 0.09). Among the subgroup who had labor arrest, fewer patients using the peanut ball experienced arrest of dilation; this approached but did not reach statistical significance (30% vs. 73% p = 0.05).

Conclusion: Use of the peanut ball does not significantly increase rates of cervical dilation or decrease time in active labor.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Labor Stage, First
  • Labor Stage, Second
  • Labor, Induced
  • Labor, Obstetric*
  • Obstetric Labor Complications / diagnosis*
  • Parity
  • Patient Positioning / instrumentation*
  • Patient Positioning / methods
  • Philadelphia
  • Pregnancy
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult