Using a Mirror in the Second Stage of Labor: Effects on Duration and Birth Experience

Childbirth is one of the most significant experiences in a woman's life. The second stage of labor, when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby moves through the birth canal, is a crucial phase. Various techniques and tools are used during this stage to assist delivery, one of which is the labor mirror. This tool allows the mother to visually observe the perineum and monitor the progress of labor, especially in water births. Both handheld and bed-mounted options are available, usually made of acrylic, and they can have adjustable angles for better visualization.

The use of a labor mirror offers several benefits. It enables real-time monitoring of the birthing process, allowing midwives to make timely interventions. More importantly, it helps mothers feel more involved in the birth, boosting their confidence and motivation, especially when they see the baby's head. This can lead to more controlled pushing and potentially shorten the duration of labor.

In summary, the labor mirror can enhance the birth experience by allowing mothers to participate actively and by providing emotional support, which may reduce the length of the second stage of labor. However, its use is not widespread in Turkey. This study aims to investigate the impact of using a labor mirror during the second stage of labor on both the duration of labor and the mother's overall experience.

Inclusion criteria

• between 38-42 weeks of gestation,
• had a healthy fetus,
• had no perinatal and obstetric risk,
• did not have prolonged trauma,
• could understand and speak Turkish

Exclusion criteria

• preterm labor onset,
• premature rupture of membranes,
• epidural analgesia,
• amniotic fluid with meconium,
• fetal risk
• intervention delivery