Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Labor

Plain-language summary

The vagus nerve innervates both the uterus and the cervix. It is thought that a successful and positive birth experience can be achieved by stimulating the vagus nerve at the desired level. Making instinctive sounds such as singing, humming, and various exercises are methods that stimulate the vagus nerve. In this project, an application protocol based on polyvagal theory and including breathing, relaxation and voice exercises was prepared. Video-supported application material will be developed in line with the prepared protocol. The video-assisted vagus nerve stimulation intervention is called Vagal Active Tone (VAT). VAT is a new method in the literature and for which we have limited information about labor. This project aimed to determine the effect of vagus nerve stimulation based on Polyvagal theory on labor pain, anxiety, oxytocin, cortisol levels, duration and perception of birth. This study was planned as a randomized controlled experimental study. The number of samples was calculated using the G\*power 3.1.9.6 program. After the power analysis, it is aimed to reach a total of 50 people, 25 in the intervention group and 25 in the control group. Data will be collected with Personal Information Form, Labor Monitoring Form, Hormone Levels Monitoring Form, Visual Analogue Scale, State Anxiety Scale, Facial Anxiety Scale and Mother's Birth Perception Scale. It is aimed to produce new and original evidence-based information with the use of VAT intervention based on polyvagal theory. It is thought that this intervention, which can be easily accessed and applied by pregnant women whenever they want, will contribute positively to labor pain, anxiety, oxytocin and cortisol levels, and the duration and perception of birth. Keywords: Labor, oxytocin, cortisol, vagus nerve stimulation, midwife

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