ArticleBMC pregnancy and childbirth2026
Benefits of doula care for labor duration and maternal health during vaginal delivery.
Article in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundDoulas are trained professionals that provide comprehensive emotional, physical, and informational support to women during the perinatal period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility and benefits of doula care on the labor duration and maternal health during vaginal delivery.
methodsThis retrospective cohort study involved 2095 women with vaginal deliveries. In the control group, women received essential perinatal and intrapartum cares. In the doula group, the women received additional doula cares during labor, including music, labor ball, birth dance, positioning cushion, massage and breathing exercises. The primary outcomes of interest were labor duration and perineal status. Secondary outcome measures included delivery mode, the occurrence of prenatal fever, the characteristic of amniotic fluid and the amount of postpartum bleeding within 24 h.
resultsCompared to the control group, women who received doula cares experienced significantly shorter labor durations across all stages (first-stage, second-stage, and total) (all p < 0.001). Additionally, the doula group had a lower incidence of episiotomy and second-degree lacerations (21.98% vs. 33.69%, p < 0.001; 7.42% vs. 8.98%, p = 0.002). Furthermore, forceps delivery was more prevalent in the control group (10%) than in the doula group (7%) (p = 0.033), while postpartum bleeding was significantly reduced in the doula care group compared to the control group (227.38 ± 3.21 vs. 247.15 ± 3.69, p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the characteristics of amniotic fluid or the occurrence of prenatal fever between the two groups.
conclusionDoula care during vaginal delivery could shorten labor durations, reduce the need for episiotomy and the incidence of severe perineal lacerations, and decrease the incidence of forceps delivery and postpartum bleeding. These findings supported the promotion of doula care to enhance natural deliveries and ensure maternal and child safety.
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