Completed

NCT Number: NCT07575594

The Use of White Noise and Quiet Time During Labor

Childbirth is defined as the process in which the fetus and its appendages are expelled from the uterus. The World Health Organization emphasizes that women should have a positive childbirth experience and recommends interventions that reduce pain and stress while increasing maternal satisfaction.

White noise, defined as continuous and monotonous sounds such as wave, water, or wind sounds, and quiet time, described as periods in which environmental noise is minimized, have been shown to reduce pain and stress and improve satisfaction in various patient groups. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding their effects during labor.

Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate the effects of white noise and quiet time interventions applied during labor on perceived labor pain, stress levels, and childbirth satisfaction.

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Key information

Conditions

Labor Pain, Stress, Childbirth Satisfaction Labor Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Esenler Women's and Children's Diseases Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Childbirth is defined as a process in which the fetus and its appendages are expelled from the uterus. The World Health Organization emphasizes that women should have a positive childbirth experience. During childbirth, care providers are recommended to implement interventions that reduce women's pain and stress and increase satisfaction.

White noise is defined as continuous and monotonous sounds such as wave, water, and wind sounds. It has been studied in postoperative patients, infants, and neonates.

Quiet time is defined as a period in which environmental sounds are minimized. It has been studied in postpartum women, patients in acute care units, nurses working in neonatal intensive care units, and infants.

White noise and quiet time interventions have been found to be methods used to reduce pain and stress and to increase satisfaction. However, no study has been found that evaluates the effects of white noise and quiet time interventions on pain, stress, and satisfaction during the childbirth process. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate the effects of white noise and quiet time interventions applied during childbirth on the level of perceived labor pain, stress level, and childbirth satisfaction.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Pregnant women aged 18-35 years Pregnant women without a diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy Pregnant women with a gestational age between 37-42 weeks Pregnant women who will have a vaginal delivery Pregnant women in the active phase of labor Pregnant women who can speak or understand Turkish Pregnant women carrying a singleton fetus Primiparous women

Exclusion criteria

Pregnant women in the latent phase of labor Pregnant women with hearing impairment Pregnant women who are illiterate Pregnant women with an indication for cesarean section Multiparous women

Treatment and study plan

White Noise Exposure

Behavioral

Participants received white noise intervention during the active phase of labor. At 4 cm cervical dilation, informed consent was obtained and baseline assessments including Demographic Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and Visual Analogue Scale for stress were completed. Routine care was provided.

At 6 cm and 8 cm cervical dilation, participants were exposed to white noise (50-65 dB) via Bluetooth headphones for 15 minutes each session. Routine monitoring and standard obstetric care were continued. After interventions, pain and stress were reassessed using VAS.

At the second postpartum hour, maternal satisfaction was assessed using the Maternal Satisfaction in Childbirth Scale.

Quiet Time Intervention

Behavioral

Participants received quiet time intervention during the active phase of labor. At 4 cm cervical dilation, informed consent was obtained and baseline assessments including Demographic Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and Visual Analogue Scale for stress were completed. Routine care was provided.

At 6 cm and 8 cm cervical dilation, a quiet environment was maintained using Polter headphones for 15 minutes per session. Routine monitoring and standard obstetric care were continued. After interventions, pain and stress were reassessed using VAS.

At the second postpartum hour, maternal satisfaction was assessed using the Maternal Satisfaction in Childbirth Scale.

Primary outcomes

Pain level during labor

Time frame: During labor, between 4-10 cm cervical dilation (latent and active phases)

Labor pain levels will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Measurements will be performed during the latent and active phases of labor at specific cervical dilation stages (4-10 cm).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of White Noise and Quiet Time Interventions During Labor on Labor Pain, Stress, and Satisfaction

Acronym: White & Quiet

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: May 8, 2026
Registry last updated: May 8, 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.

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Completed