Prelabor Visual Biofeedback by a Self-operated Ultrasound Device

The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of visual biofeedback prior to labor, which involves a single session in the hospital combined with a self-administered home ultrasound to train mothers on pushing techniques during the second stage of labor. The approach integrates a one-time pre-labor training session at the clinic, as previously explored by Youssef et al. (2021), with a continued two-week intervention carried out by the participants at home. This method is anticipated to enhance the benefits noted in prior research. The study will examine the impact of this training intervention and then collect comprehensive data on both obstetric and psychological outcomes, which will include medical records and self-report questionnaires completed by the participants before and after childbirth. The intervention seeks to mitigate maternal and neonatal obstetric complications and other adverse outcomes. The specific objectives of this study are:

• to decrease the duration of the second stage of labor, minimize medical interventions during labor, and lessen birth-related complications;
• to alleviate prenatal fear of childbirth and bolster confidence in the birthing process;
• to enhance perceived personal control during labor and increase satisfaction with the birthing experience;
• to improve maternal-infant bonding and reduce incidences of post-traumatic stress symptoms;
• to explore participants' experiences with the at-home, self-managed intervention and its effectiveness through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with a subset of the participants involved in this study.

Inclusion criteria

• Nuliparity
• Singleton pregnancy
• Planned for vaginal delivery
• Low risk pregnancy
• Ability to fulfill a questionnaire

Exclusion criteria

• Multifetal gestation
• Contraindications for vaginal delivery (Placenta previa, Breech presentation etc.)
• High risk pregnancy