The use of peanut balls in labour

Evidence shows that Peanut Balls can:

• Improve patient satisfaction with the non-invasive, non-pharmacological intervention.
• Reduce the length of labour in 1st stage for first time mothers with an epidural by 29 min and the pushing stage by 11 min.
• Decrease the number of C-Sections (less than half as likely to have a CS using Peanut ball).
• One small study found a reduction in the number “stalls” in labour.

In the Fraser Health Nursing Study -90% of patients expressed satisfaction using the Peanut Ball.

Women’s own words about their experience using the Peanut Ball:

• “Helped my baby engage in pelvis and sped up labour.”
• “It was effective in ripening cervix and allowing my baby to descend.”
• “It was helpful. Helped me with stable leg position.”
• “Made it progress but it’s not the most comfortable to use.”
• “My legs felt weak and the extra support also helped keep my legs apart for my pelvis to keep stretching.”
• “I didn’t like it but I think it helped open my pelvis.”

Nurses perception of its effectiveness:

• “Shortened labour and helped prevent some CS or assisted deliveries.”
• “Was instrumental for achieving a vaginal birth, despite the fact that some patients found it uncomfortable.”
• “Baby presented OT (occiput transverse) at 8cm, used the peanut ball, and progressed to 10cm and OA (Occiput Anterior) in less than 30 min with a vaginal delivery.”
• “With epidural, peanut ball assisted to rotate baby from OP to OA with vaginal birth.”
• “Patient satisfaction was huge, Peanut Ball with epidural- amazing! Amazing how quick babe can turn to an anterior position using the Peanut ball.”

Peanut Balls are available for use on all Fraser Health Maternity units and are a safe, cost effective tool that nurses can use to help patients achieve their childbirth goals by possibly shortening labour and optimizing vaginal birth.