Picot Research

Picot Research

Introduction

Presently, there is an increasing popularity of water birth. Waterbirth is a process that entails giving in a warm water tub. The rationale behind this concept is that because the baby spends about nine months in the amniotic fluid sac, they can be birthed in a relatively similar environment, which is less stressful for mothers and gentler for the babies. Midwives, an increasing number of obstetricians, and numerous birthing centers believe that birthing complications can be reduced by reducing the stress of delivery and labor. Evaluating this intervention is vital to help nurses help their patients make informed decisions regarding the birthing process. Water births have been cited as advantageous as they allow new positioning and free movement due to the buoyancy effect on the mother’s body weight (American Pregnancy, 2019). Immersion in water also helps to reduce high blood pressure among anxious mothers. Nonetheless, there is minimal research concerning the risk associated with water births compared to conventional birthing methods.

Population

The population in the study is low- risk mothers who prefer water birth. There is limited knowledge about water birth, including the outcomes and characteristics. Further, the health care system is yet to accept water births as a mainstream birthing option. The main themes that will be explored among the population are whether water births enhance relaxation and pain relief.  Labor duration, the need for anesthesia, and perineal lacerations will also be evaluated. The effects of buoyancy on mobility will also be explored.

Intervention

The intervention is water birth. Waterbirth has been associated with various positive effects, including pain relief and relaxation. In has also been associated with buoyancy effects, which enhance mobility leading to a generally positive birthing experience. It is also associated with a reduced need for anesthesia, perineal tears, and shorter first stage labor duration. This intervention is growing in popularity among midwives, obstetricians, and numerous birthing centers that believe that birthing complications are reduced by water death by reducing the stress of delivery and labor.

Comparison

Land birth is a term often applied during studies about water birth and refers typically to babies who have been born using conventional means without the use of water. Accordingly, waterbirth effects will be compared to land births. The aspects that will be examined during the birthing period include whether water births enhance relaxation and pain relief. The study will also assess labor duration as well as the need for anesthesia and perineal lacerations during both land birth and water birth. Moreover, the effects associated with buoyance on mobility will also be evaluated.

Outcome

Studies were done in Sweden comparing land births and water baths and highlighted the numerous benefits for birthing in water. The comparative research linked water birth with the likelihood of perineal tears and shorter labor durations. Randomized controlled studies also showed less need for applying anesthesia during water births. Water births are also associated with reduced risk for postpartum hemorrhage or maternal infections (Ulfsdottir, Saltvedt & Georgsson, 2017). Additionally, studies conducted in Greece by Antonakou, Kostoglou, and Papoutsis (2018) analyzing the experiences of women who preferred water births focused on whether the method helped them to cope with pain during labor. Therefore the outcome from the intervention will assess whether there are reduced pain and reduced need for anesthesia and perineal lacerations. The outcome will also evaluate the effects of buoyancy forces on mobility.

Time frame

The time frame for the study is the birthing period for both water birth and land birth scenarios.

PICOT research questions.

Question 1

Does washing of hands among healthcare workers help in reducing hospital-acquired infections?

Question 2

The effect of using restraints to reduce falls among patients aged 70 years and over?

Question 3

What are the impacts of universal lunch programs on childhood obesity rates?