title: The effects of an external nasal dilator on labor.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an external nasal dilator on several variables characterizing labor in both mother and fetus.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and fifty primigravida women in active labor were randomized to wear, throughout labor, either a dilator spring-loaded nasal strip or a placebo device. Data were obtained during labor and compared between the groups. After delivery, the satisfaction rate was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No differences were found between the study and the control group regarding rate of induction or augmentation of labor as well as Montevideo units reached, frequency of rupture of membranes, duration of the active phase and second stage of labor, usage of epidural analgesia, normal fetal heart pattern, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and neonatal well being. Length of maternal and neonatal hospitalization also did not differ between the groups. Satisfaction rate was significantly higher in parturient women wearing nasal strips with a dilator spring than in parturient women wearing a placebo spring (P < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nasal strips do not change the course but ameliorate the quality of labor by improving the ease of breathing. Nasal dilators sustain the respiratory effort associated with the long process of labor and may control the switch from nasal to oronasal breathing during delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center and Tel-Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Holon, Israel.
authors.forename: Oscar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sadan
authors.forename: Sagit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shushan
authors.forename: Ido
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Eldar
authors.forename: Shmuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Evron
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lurie
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boaz
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Glazerman
authors.forename: Yehudah
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Roth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies