This study was conducted to understand how different body positions during fetal monitoring affect pain and comfort in obese pregnant women. Fetal monitoring is a routine procedure used during pregnancy to check the baby's well-being. During this procedure, pregnant women are usually asked to lie still for a period of time, which may cause discomfort, especially for women with obesity.
The study included obese pregnant women in their third trimester who attended obstetrics outpatient clinics and underwent routine fetal monitoring. During the monitoring process, women were placed in one of three different positions: supported left side-lying, unsupported left side-lying, or lying on the back. Pain and comfort levels were assessed during and immediately after the fetal monitoring procedure.
The aim of this study was to determine which position provides greater comfort and less pain for obese pregnant women during fetal monitoring. The findings of this study may help health care professionals choose more comfortable positioning options and improve the overall pregnancy care experience for obese pregnant women.
Who can participate
Age range
19 Years – 40 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant women who voluntarily agree to participate in the study
* Aged between 19 and 40 years
* Experiencing a healthy pregnancy
* Gestational age between 28+0 and 40+0 weeks (only third-trimester pregnancies are included, as EFM monitoring is recommended after 27 weeks)
* Singleton pregnancy with a live fetus
* Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher
* No physical disabilities
* Able to speak Turkish to answer questions accurately
* No cognitive, comprehension, or communication difficulties
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant women who do not agree to participate in the study
* Aged under 19 years or 41 years and above (adolescent and advanced-age pregnancies are excluded due to increased risk)
* Diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy
* Illiterate or unable to read/write
* Having a contagious disease
* Having a mental disorder or history of a mental disorder requiring treatment
* Having physical disabilities affecting mobility, hearing, or psychological function
* Gestational age less than 28+0 weeks
* Currently in active labor
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.