Introduction: Physiological birth is a natural way of giving birth that takes place without major medical interventions. However, challenges may arise that require support. An important part of monitoring physiological birth is relieving labour pain. One of the methods used is the use of birth balls, round and peanut-shaped. These balls can contribute to greater relaxation and comfort for the woman in labour and allow her to move. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma thesis was to examine the use of a birth ball in connection with physiological birth by reviewing professional and scientific literature and to determine the positive effects of using a birth ball on the birth experience and birth outcome. Methods: A descriptive work method was used, based on a systematic review and synthesis of professional and scientific literature. The performed analysis of the review of scientific and professional literature was presented using the PRISMA diagram. The literature search was conducted in online databases from September 2025 to March 2026. Results: We included 17 sources in the literature review, which we classified according to the hierarchy of evidence. Round and peanut birthing balls during labour contribute to reducing labour pain, accelerating its progress and may shorten the duration of labour itself. They also contribute to improving the maternal experience, as they reduce perceived pain, increase comfort and a sense of control, and enable a greater active role for pregnant women during labour. The birthing ball improves mobility, thus supporting the physiological course of labour. The findings also indicate positive effects on psychological well-being, which should not be neglected in physiological labour. Birthing balls increase the level of self-confidence and satisfaction of women in labour and increase the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal labour, without having negative effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes. When using the birthing ball, women in labour were able to follow their natural bodily sensations more easily. Discussion and conclusion: The use of birthing balls represents an effective non-pharmacological method for supporting physiological labour, as it promotes mobility, the active role of the woman in labour, and the natural progression of labour. It proves to be a promising approach to improving the labouring experience, as it reduces pain and increases women's self-confidence. Despite the increasing use of birth balls in obstetric practice, their use in the context of physiological birth is still insufficiently researched, as many studies involve medical interventions, which complicates the interpretation of results. The inclusion of birth balls could help to better support physiological birth and reduce invasive medical interventions. It is important that midwives continuously receive professional education and improve their knowledge of the use of birth balls and thus include them in clinical practice. This could increase the satisfaction of women in labour and improve childbirth outcomes. The thesis emphasizes the importance of promoting the use of birth balls in midwifery practice and the need for further research focused exclusively on physiological birth without medical interventions.
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