Vocalization and Spontaneous Pushing in the Second Stage of Labor

The second stage of labor begins with complete cervical dilatation and continues until the birth of the fetus. During this phase, important physiological events occur, including increased contraction frequency and intensity, fetal descent, and rotation through the birth canal (2,5). Pushing is a physiological response that facilitates fetal expulsion through coordinated uterine contractions and maternal effort (2,5).

Two primary pushing techniques are described in the literature: Valsalva pushing, characterized by breath-holding with a closed glottis, and spontaneous pushing, performed with an open glottis following the woman's natural urge (2,3,5-9). Studies report that Valsalva pushing may lead to maternal apnea, increased fatigue, fetal head compression, pelvic floor damage, and impaired bladder function (2,7,10,11). In contrast, open-glottis pushing techniques have been associated with reduced maternal and fetal distress, protective effects on the perineum, decreased labor pain, shorter second-stage duration, higher Apgar scores, improved umbilical cord pH values, and greater maternal satisfaction (5,6,10-14).

Vocalization pushing, defined as intentional low-tone sound production (e.g., "A," "O," or "U") during exhalation, is a maneuver aimed at maintaining an open glottis during pushing (10,11). Evidence suggests that vocalization during childbirth may promote pelvic floor relaxation, reduce the severity of perineal lacerations, improve pain coping through vibrational effects, and contribute to a more positive and empowering birth experience (9-12). Despite these potential benefits, the literature contains limited high-quality evidence regarding vocalization pushing, and no clinical studies have examined its use during the second stage of labor in Türkiye.

This randomized controlled trial will compare vocalization pushing and spontaneous pushing techniques during the second stage of labor. Eligible women will be randomly assigned to either the vocalization pushing group or the spontaneous pushing group. Outcomes will include duration of the second stage of labor, pain intensity, perineal trauma, maternal fatigue, and childbirth experience. The findings are expected to support evidence-based, physiological, and woman-centered intrapartum care practices.

Inclusion criteria

for the Study:

• Being 18 years of age or older
• Being nulliparous
• Being at term (between 38 and 42 weeks of gestation)
• Expecting a vaginal delivery
• Having a singleton pregnancy
• Presenting in vertex position
• Estimated fetal weight between 2500-4000 g
• Having had a complication-free pregnancy in terms of both mother and fetus
• Not having any perinatal risks
• Not having received any analgesia or anesthesia to relieve pain and fatigue during labor
• Being able to read, understand, and write Turkish
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Being multiparous
• Having a multiple pregnancy
• Having dysphonia and hearing loss
• Being a high-risk pregnant woman
• Having any systemic, chronic, or neurological disease
• Pregnant women with fetal risk (presentation anomaly, cephalopelvic disproportion, macrosomia, SGA, fetal death, fetus without gross pathology according to ultrasound)

Endpoints for Cases Included in the Study:

• Loss of the baby during labor or delivery
• Delivery by cesarean section
• Pharmacological intervention to relieve pain and fatigue during labor