THE EFFECT OF LABOR DANCE ON THE LABOR PAIN, BIRTH SATISFACTION AND NEONATAL OUTCOMES

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the effects of labor dance on perceived birth pain, birth satisfaction, and neonatal outcomes. Design: This research was an experimental study with three groups. The data were collected during the active phase of labor as three groups; Dance Practitioner Midwife Group (DPMG-40 pregnant), Dancing Practitioner Spouse / Partner Group (DPSG-40 pregnant) and Control Group (CG-80 pregnant). Setting: This research was conducted at Ministry of Health Izmir Urla State Hospital between April 1, 2017 and October 31, 2017. Participants: The pregnant women in the DPMG danced with the midwives in charge of the delivery room and following the pregnancy, but those in the DPSG danced with their spouse/partners during the active phase of labor. Labor pains were measured before the labor dance was begun (when the vaginal dilatation was 4 cm) and after the labor dance (when the vaginal dilatation was 9 cm) using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In the postpartum period, the first, fifth, and tenth-minute Apgar scores and oxygen saturation levels of the newborns were measured and recorded. The Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale was applied to evaluate the women's birth satisfaction at the end of the first hour. In the Control Group, only routine practices were implemented in the hospital, and data were collected as indicated in the experimental groups.