Peanut Balls for Women during Labor: An Approach to Promote Vaginal Birth.

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the effect of peanut balls for labor support on the nulliparous term singleton vertex (NTSV) cesarean and overall cesarean birth rates in our maternity service.

Study design and methods: Retrospective analysis of participants from a 30-bed maternity unit discharged between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023.

Results: Among 4,005 participants, those who used a peanut ball (n = 1,680) during labor were significantly younger, more likely to be nulliparous, and more likely to give birth at term compared to nonpeanut ball users. Multivariable logistic regression showed that peanut ball use was associated with increased odds of vaginal birth (OR = 1.21, 95% CI [1.03, 1.43], p = .0239), after adjusting for age, gestational age, and parity. Age and gestational age were also significant predictors of vaginal birth, whereas race was not.

Clinical implications: Using peanut balls for labor support may support vaginal birth without compromising neonatal outcomes. Education for all members of the maternity team is an important aspect of implementing peanut balls for labor support. Continued implementation and evaluation of peanut ball use, along with other labor support strategies, shows potential for improving vaginal birth rates while maintaining safe neonatal outcomes.