Peanut Ball Utilization Protocols in Women During Labour and Delivery: An Integrative Review

Objective: This review aimed to assess the evidence available in the literature about the protocols for using peanut ball (PB) in women during labour and delivery.Data Sources: A systematic search was carried out by 2 independent researchers in the PubMed/MedLine, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus databases, and the reference lists were scanned for additional articles.Study Selection: Search terms employed were selected from MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) and DeCS (Descriptors in Health Sciences) and combined in each database: "Pregnant Women" AND "Peanut Ball", "Peanut Ball" AND "Labor, Obstetric", as well as "Peanut Ball" AND "Parturition". There were no limits regarding the publication period or language. Studies that answered the following question were included: What are the protocols for the use of the PB in women during labour and childbirth described in the literature? Secondary studies were excluded. Disagreements were resolved by a third researcher.Data Extraction: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement guided this review. The authors prepared a standardized data extraction sheet to extract data and used the Mendeley software to organize the analyzed studies.Data Synthesis: Ten studies made up the final sample of this review. Eight articles presented the protocol for using the PB: 2 studies included it after epidural analgesia and removed it at complete cervical dilation and effacement; 4 addressed the frequency of position changes during labour; and 3 reported data on maternal positions that were adopted. Five studies showed lower rates of cesarean delivery, and 2 reported that PB reduces the length of labour. Only 1 article associated the use of PB with the reduction of instrumental deliveries and perineal lacerations. One study showed a positive evaluation of parturients regarding the use of PB.Conclusion: PB was associated with a reduction in cesarean and instrumental deliveries, and the length of labour. Despite its benefits, there is no standardized protocol for the use of PB, preventing it from predicting outcomes with its use.PROSPERO ID: CRD42023392238