In plain words
A peanut ball is a large inflatable cushion shaped like a peanut. It is placed between the mother's legs while she sits or leans on a bed or chair. The shape allows the legs to open wider than they would in a usual position. Some care teams use it to support positions that may help the baby move lower and turn. It can also make resting in labor easier for some mothers. The evidence for its effect is limited, and results from small studies are mixed. Whether one is available depends on the birth setting.
The deeper version
The peanut ball is an asymmetric inflatable used to widen the pelvic outlet and encourage fetal descent and rotation in the , often in combination with upright or semi-recumbent positions. Evidence for its effect is limited to small trials and observational work. The Cochrane review of maternal positions and mobility in the first stage (Lawrence et al., 2013) found that upright positions were associated with a shorter first stage of labor, with low to moderate quality of evidence across trials. Use with analgesia is possible, and nursing protocols specify repositioning and bladder management to maintain pelvic mobility.
Where it comes up
- Back labor and baby's positionGetting Ready for Birth
- Pushing and positions for birthGetting Ready for Birth
- Pain options: from breathing to epiduralGetting Ready for Birth
- What your partner does in laborGetting Ready for Birth
What mothers here say about peanut ball
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Sources
- Lawrence A et al. — Maternal positions and mobility during first stage labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013