This study evaluated the effects of the Spinning Babies program applied during labor on birth outcomes and satisfaction among pregnant women.

This non-equivalent control group, non-synchronized post-test only design study included 42 participants (22 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group). The Spinning Babies program was conducted four times in the experimental group during the first and second stages of delivery for 50 min per session. The program comprised performing pelvic circles on a birth ball, followed by wide squatting and adopting of open knee-chest and side-lying positions.

Compared with those in the control group, pregnant women in the experimental group had a significantly shorter labor time (t = - 6.64, p < .001), a higher success rate for normal vaginal delivery (χ² = 4.86, p = .043), improved Apgar scores of newborns (z² = - 2.18, p = .029), differences in neonatal oxygen therapy use (χ² = 4.86, p = .043), and improved birth satisfaction (t = 11.99, p < .001).

The Spinning Babies program improves the birth environment by increasing the normal vaginal delivery success rate, as well as pregnant women’s birth satisfaction, and promotes neonatal health.

This study aimed to test the mediating effect of uncertainty appraisal and coping style in the relation between uncertainty and anxiety in hospitalized pregnant women diagnosed with preterm labor.

The participants were 105 pregnant women diagnosed with preterm labor in hospitals in Korea. Data were collected from July to October 2017. The measurements included the Uncertainty in Illness Scale, Uncertainty Appraisal Scale, Coping Style Scale, and State Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, correlation, and multiple regression following the Baron and Kenny method and Sobel test for mediation.

The mean score for anxiety was 2.29 out of 4.00 points and for uncertainty it was 2.46 out of 5.00 points. There were significant correlations among uncertainty, uncertainty danger appraisal, uncertainty opportunity appraisal, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and anxiety. Uncertainty danger appraisal (β=.64, p<.001) had a complete mediating effect in the relation between uncertainty and anxiety (Z=4.54, p<.001). Uncertainty opportunity appraisal (β=-.45, p<.001) had a complete mediating effect in the relation between uncertainty and anxiety (Z=3.28, p<.001). Emotion-focused coping (β=-.23, p=.021) had a partial mediating effect in the relation between uncertainty and anxiety (Z=2.02, p=.044).

Nursing intervention programs focusing on managing uncertainty appraisal and improving emotion-focused coping are highly recommended to decrease anxiety in hospitalized pregnant women diagnosed with preterm labor.

This study was done to evaluate the effects of antenatal depression on birth outcomes.

The participants were 255 pregnant women who were followed in a prospective study. Of these, 197 cases were examined included birth weight, Apgar scores at 5 minute, premature contraction, complication of labor, delivery types and laboratory data. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Chi square test of linear by linear association, Kruskal Wallis test, Relative Risk, univariate and adjusted multiple logistic regression were used for data analysis with SPSS/Win.

Level of antenatal depression was associated with low birth weight (χ²=7.69, p=.010). High risk pregnancy was a predictor of low birth weight (OR=6.98 [1.21-40.30]) and baby's weight (OR=2.12, [1.05-4.28]). Prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) was a predictor of complications in labor (OR=3.59, [1.03-12.48]). But there were no significant effects of antenatal depression on other birth outcomes.

The results of this study indicate that women with antenatal depression, high risk pregnancy, prepregnancy BMI≥23 kg/M² should be monitored and managed to ensure favorable birth outcomes.