The effect of labor dance on the perceived labor pain, birth satisfaction and neonatal outcomes

This research was conducted to determine the effects of labor dance on perceived birth pain, birth satisfaction and neonatal outcomes at Ministry of Health Izmir Urla State Hospital between April 1, 2017, and October 31, 2017. Within the scope of the research; pregnants non-risky and volunteered to participate in the study have been taken. 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). The pregnant in DPMG, with the midwives who are in charge of the delivery room and following the pregnancy, in DPSG have danced with their spouse/partners during the active phase. During labor dance, pregnant's hands wrap around the neck of the partner's (midwife or spouse), puts her head on partner's shoulder, they swing left to right accompanied by calming music. During the labor dance, her partner has accompanied this swinging movement and has massaged the sacrum area at the same time. Birth pain that measured before the labor dance was applied (vaginal dilatation was 4 cm) and after labor dance (vaginal dilatation 9 cm) using VAS. In the postpartum period, the first, fifth and tenth-minute Apgar scores and oxygen saturation levels of the newborn were measured and recorded. Mackey Birth Satisfaction Scale was applied to evaluate the women's birth satisfaction at the end of the first hour. In the Control Group, only the routine practices were implemented in the hospital and data were collected as indicated in the dance group. According to the results of the research; the average age of the pregnant included in the survey is 27.13±4.09 (min=18-max=37). The mean duration of dance for pregnant in DPSG was found to be similar to the DPMG. The mean scores of VAS 1 and VAS 2 in the dance groups were significantly lower than the CG. When the data regarding the newborn were examined, the fifth and tenth-minute Apgar score and the first, fifth and tenth oxygen saturation levels of the newborns of the dance group (DPSG and DPMG) significantly higher than CG. In the dance groups, the level of birth satisfaction assessed at the first postnatal day is significantly higher than the scores of the subscale and total scale points in women in KG. In the results of the study; showed a positive effect on the birth pain, satisfaction and neonatal outcome of the labor dance performed with spouse or midwife during the intrapartum period. For the effective management of the birth pain, it is necessary the family of pregnant should be included in given care to the woman during the intrapartum period; midwife-pregnant and family should act in cooperation. Key words: Dance, labor, pregnant, pain, satisfaction, neonatal outcomes