Effects of Dim Light During Labor on Pain, Anxiety, and Labor Progress

The environment of the labor room may influence how women experience childbirth. Light levels, in particular, may affect comfort, stress, and the course of labor. However, there is limited high-quality evidence on whether keeping the labor room lighting dim has measurable benefits for mothers. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dim light exposure during active labor on pain, anxiety, and labor progress. Pregnant women who are in active labor at term will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will give birth in a room with dim lighting (50-80 lux), while the other group will receive standard room lighting as part of routine care. Pain and anxiety levels will be measured at specific time points during labor using standard assessment scales. Information about labor duration, use of labor medications, mode of delivery, and newborn outcomes will also be collected. The dim light intervention does not interfere with routine obstetric care and does not pose additional risk to the mother or baby. If needed for clinical reasons, room lighting can be increased immediately. The results of this study may help determine whether a simple change in the birth environment can improve maternal comfort and labor outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria: Pregnant individuals aged 18-45 years Singleton pregnancy Vertex (cephalic) presentation Gestational age ≥37 weeks Active labor at enrollment (cervical dilation between 4 and 8 cm) Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Planned or ongoing epidural analgesia Multiple pregnancy Severe preeclampsia or other obstetric complications requiring immediate intervention Known photosensitivity or light-related sensitivity disorders History of psychiatric disorders that may interfere with anxiety assessment Any condition deemed by the clinical team to require deviation from the study protocol