The Effect of Continuous Support Combined with Breathing Exercise on The Progress of Labor and Intrapartum Fatigue

Ismail Abdel Aziz Ismail, Nemat; Hassan Allam, Tahany; Kamal Ali, Wesam

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2022.258661

The Effect of Continuous Support Combined with Breathing Exercise on The Progress of Labor and Intrapartum Fatigue

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt.

² lecturers of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt.

10.21608/ejhc.2022.258661

Abstract

Introduction: Intrapartum fatigue is an unpleasant sensation and if allowed to continue will lead to
exhaustion. It has a negative effect on the health of both mother and fetus. This study aimed to
evaluate the effect of continuous support combined with breathing exercise on the progress of labor
and intrapartum fatigue. Design: A non-randomized controlled clinical trial was utilized. Subjects:
A purposive sample of 80 laboring women was recruited from labor and delivery unit of National
Medical Institution in Damanhour, Albehera Governorate. Tools: Three tools were used for data
collection. Tool (I): Socio-demographic and obstetric structured interview schedule, Tool (II):
Partograph, Tool (III): Fatigue Continuum Form Checklist. Results: It was revealed that the mean
descent of the fetal head and the mean duration, frequency and intensity of uterine contraction were
significantly increased among the intervention group than the control group. Also, the mean
cervical dilatation was significantly increased among the intervention group than the control group.
In addition, the mean duration of the first, second and third stage of labor were significantly
decreased among the intervention group than the control group (P=.003, P=.000 & P=.000).
Furthermore, intrapartum fatigue was significantly decreased among the intervention group than the
control group after intervention, (p=0.000). Conclusion: laboring women who receive continuous
support combined with breathing exercise during their active phase of labor exhibit faster progress
of labor and less intrapartum fatigue than those who received routine intervention.
Recommendations: Continuous support combined with breathing exercise should be recommended
as a non-pharmacological management to faster progress of labor and decrease fatigue level during
labor.

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