The Effect of Touching the Fetal Head During the Perineal Crowning Phase

In this study, it is planned to shorten the second stage of labor by touching the fetal head during the second stage of labor. It is thought that touching will also have positive effects on the mother and the newborn. The fact that touching the fetal head is a cost-free and easily applicable action is a different and strong aspect from other studies. This research study that we have planned is quite meaningful in terms of ensuring a comfortable postpartum period within the scope of mother and baby-friendly practices that our Ministry emphasizes.

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Key information

Conditions

The Effect of Touching the Fetal Head of the Pregnant on the Duration of the Second Stage of Labor

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ege University

Izmir, Bornova, 35040, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Not to have obstetric risk,
To be primiparous,
To be 37W and above pregnant,
To carry a live fetus,
To be mentally healthy,
To be able to communicate,
To be literate,
To have no systemic disease,
To not use medication for any reason,
To have no addiction, no movement restriction

Exclusion criteria

Leaving the study before it is completed

Treatment and study plan

Touching

Behavioral

In the second stage of birth, when the baby's head crowns, the mother is allowed to touch the baby's head as much as she wants and with as many fingers as she wants.

Primary outcomes

Mother-Baby Interaction

Time frame: This scale was applied on the 1st and 2nd day after birth.

The research output will be evaluated with the Mother-Infant Interaction Scale. This scale is a three-point Likert-type scale from positive to negative, aiming to determine the mother's responses, reactions and closeness to her baby in the early postpartum period. There are 5 behavioral classifications for the mother in each scale. These are grouped as; Sensitivity for the baby, Touching/holding, Eye-to-eye and face-to-face communication, Providing adequate care, Expressing feelings. In order to obtain a full score on the scale; the item that gives the best description from each of the five behavioral categories is marked. Each item in the five behavioral categories is grouped by giving "2,1,0" points. At the end of the observation, each category is scored and a total score is obtained. The scale is applied by observing the behaviors of the mother and her baby during the first contact and the 2nd day after birth. With the scores obtained, the midwife determines the

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ege University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Touching the Fetal Head of the Pregnant on the Duration of the Second Stage of Labor and the Mother-Baby Interaction During the Perineal Crowning Phase

Acronym: Touching

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Jan 20, 2025
Registry last updated: Feb 3, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.