The use of the birthing ball during labour

This is a qualitative case study that aimed to analyse the use of birthing balls during labour by professionals and women in labour. The study was conducted at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre with 16 low-risk pregnant women and six nurses who recommended the use of birthing balls as a non-pharmacological resource for women in labour. The study comprised two phases: the first involved naturalistic observation and the second involved semi-structured interviews. The data from this research were analysed using Bardin's content analysis and three themes were established for discussion and analysis: the indication for the use of the birthing ball the use of the birthing ball and the repercussions of the use of the birthing ball.