Labor Pain and AnxietyDIM-LIGHTNCT07310602
Effects of Dim Light During Labor on Pain, Anxiety, and Labor Progress
A study testing Dim Light Exposure During Labor and Routine Labor Room Lighting in people with Labor Pain and Anxiety and Labor Progress, run by Pınar Erdoğan at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Labor Pain and Anxiety, Labor Progress
- What is being tested?
- Dim Light Exposure During Labor and Routine Labor Room Lighting
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 120 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 6 Jan 2026to 30 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Hospital
Niğde, Niğde Province
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Dim Light (≤80 Lux) Exposure During Labor on Pain, Anxiety, and Labor Progress: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
Read more
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.
Read the detailed description
This study is a single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of dim light exposure during active labor on maternal pain, anxiety, and labor progress. The trial is conducted in a university hospital labor ward and includes term pregnant women in active labor.
Eligible participants are women aged 18-45 years with a singleton, vertex-presenting pregnancy at ≥37 weeks of gestation who are in active labor. Eligible participants are individually randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the dim-light intervention group or the standard-light control group using a predefined randomization sequence. Randomization is performed at the participant level after confirmation of eligibility and informed consent.
In the intervention group, labor room lighting is adjusted to a dim light environment with an illumination level maintained between 50 and 80 lux, using warm white or amber light sources. Light intensity is monitored at regular intervals using a lux meter. In the control group, routine labor room lighting conditions are maintained in accordance with standard clinical practice.
Pain intensity and anxiety levels are assessed at predefined time points during labor using validated measurement tools. Labor progress and obstetric outcomes, including use of labor augmentation, duration of labor stages, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes, are recorded from clinical charts.
The primary outcome is derived from changes in pain intensity over time during labor. Secondary outcomes include anxiety levels, labor characteristics, and maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes.
The dim light intervention is non-invasive and does not interfere with routine obstetric care. For clinical or safety reasons, room lighting can be increased immediately at any time at the discretion of the clinical team. All participants receive standard intrapartum care according to institutional protocols.
Study data are collected prospectively and stored in an anonymized format to ensure participant confidentiality. The study is conducted in accordance with ethical principles and has received approval from the relevant institutional ethics committee.
- Conditions
- Labor Pain and Anxiety, Labor Progress
- Being tested
- Dim Light Exposure During Labor, Routine Labor Room Lighting
- Keywords
- Dim light, Lighting intensity, Labor room environment, Labor pain, Anxiety during labor, Childbirth, Intrapartum care, Non-pharmacological intervention
- Medical subject headings
- Labor Pain, Anxiety Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Dim Light Exposure During LaborOther
Adjustment of labor room illumination to a target range of 50-80 lux during active labor, with monitoring using a lux meter; lighting can be increased at any time for clinical reasons.
Routine Labor Room LightingOther
Standard labor room lighting conditions maintained according to routine clinical practice, without modification of illumination levels.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Dim Light (50-80 Lux) | Experimental | Labor room lighting will be maintained at 50-80 lux using warm white/amber light sources. Illumination will be monitored at regular intervals with a lux meter. Standard intrapartum care will be provided; lighting may be increased immediately if clinically needed. Receives: Other: Dim Light Exposure During Labor |
| Routine Lighting (Control) | Active comparator | Routine labor room lighting will be maintained according to standard clinical practice. Standard intrapartum care will be provided. Receives: Other: Routine Labor Room Lighting |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain intensity over time (VAS-AUC, 0-120 minutes)
Pain intensity will be assessed using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline (0 minutes), 60 minutes, and 120 minutes after allocation. The area under the curve (AUC) for VAS from 0 to 120 minutes will be calculated as the primary outcome.
Measured: From baseline to 120 minutes during active labor
Secondary outcomes (7)
Anxiety level (six-item short-form state anxiety score)
State anxiety was assessed at baseline (prior to intervention/exposure) and at 90 minutes during active labor using a six-item short form derived from the State scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Each item was rated on a four-point scale, with positively worded items reverse-scored. Item scores were summed to yield a raw total score ranging from 6 to 24, with higher scores indicating greater state anxiety. The between-group difference in anxiety at 90 minutes was evaluated with adjustment for baseline anxiety score.
Measured: From baseline to 90 minutes during active labor
Oxytocin use (initiation rate and total dose)
Proportion of participants who receive oxytocin augmentation and the total oxytocin dose administered during labor will be recorded from clinical charts.
Measured: During labor until delivery
Duration of active phase of labor
Time from enrollment during active labor to full cervical dilation will be recorded.
Measured: From enrollment to full dilation
Duration of second stage of labor
Time from full cervical dilation to delivery will be recorded.
Measured: From full dilation to delivery
Mode of delivery
Vaginal delivery (spontaneous/assisted) and cesarean delivery will be recorded.
Measured: At delivery
Estimated blood loss
Estimated maternal blood loss at delivery will be recorded from clinical records.
Measured: At delivery / immediate postpartum
Neonatal outcomes (Apgar scores)
Neonatal well-being will be assessed using the Apgar scoring system at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The Apgar score ranges from 0 to 10, based on five components (heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and skin color). Higher Apgar scores indicate better neonatal condition (better outcome). Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes will be recorded and analyzed descriptively.
Measured: 1 and 5 minutes after birth
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Dec 2025
- Study start6 Jan 2026
- Primary completion29 May 2026
- Study completion30 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Labor Pain and AnxietyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were individually randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the dim-light intervention group or the standard-light control group using a computer-generated randomization sequence. Allocation assignments were placed in sealed, opaque envelopes prepared by an independent individual not involved in participant recruitment, clinical care, or outcome assessment. Following confirmation of eligibility and written informed consent, each participant personally selected an envelope, which was then opened to reveal the allocation.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Pınar Erdoğan
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Pınar Erdoğan, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07310602
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025/131
- Acronym
- DIM-LIGHT
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 30 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared due to the sensitive nature of intrapartum clinical data and the absence of participant consent for data sharing beyond the objectives of this study. De-identified aggregate results will be reported through publications.
Publications
Zsido AN, Teleki SA, Csokasi K, Rozsa S, Bandi SA. Development of the short version of the spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory. Psychiatry Res. 2020 Sep;291:113223. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113223. Epub 2020 Jun 12.
PubMed 32563747Wronding T, Argyraki A, Petersen JF, Topsoe MF, Petersen PM, Lokkegaard ECL. The aesthetic nature of the birthing room environment may alter the need for obstetrical interventions - an observational retrospective cohort study. Sci Rep. 2019 Jan 22;9(1):303. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-36416-x.
PubMed 30670709Balabanoff D. Color, light, and birth space design: An integrative review. Color Res Appl. 2023;48:413-32. doi: 10.1002/COL.22842
Kazemi A, Beigi M, Najafabadi HE. Environmental factors influencing women's childbirth experiences in labor-delivery-recovery-postpartum unit: a qualitative cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2023 Mar 13;23(1):169. doi: 10.1186/s12884-023-05488-7.
PubMed 36915051Buckley SJ. Executive Summary of Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing: Evidence and Implications for Women, Babies, and Maternity Care. J Perinat Educ. 2015;24(3):145-53. doi: 10.1891/1058-1243.24.3.145.
PubMed 26834435
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Dim Light (≤80 Lux) Exposure During Labor on Pain, Anxiety, and Labor Progress: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07310602
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DIM-LIGHT / 2025/131
- Conditions
- Labor Pain and Anxiety, Labor Progress
- Keywords
- Dim light, Lighting intensity, Labor room environment, Labor pain, Anxiety during labor, Childbirth, Intrapartum care, Non-pharmacological intervention
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Pınar ErdoğanUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 6 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 30 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
This study is a single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of dim light exposure during active labor on maternal pain, anxiety, and labor progress. The trial is conducted in a university hospital labor ward and includes term pregnant women in active labor.
Eligible participants are women aged 18-45 years with a singleton, vertex-presenting pregnancy at ≥37 weeks of gestation who are in active labor. Eligible participants are individually randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the dim-light intervention group or the standard-light control group using a predefined randomization sequence. Randomization is performed at the participant level after confirmation of eligibility and informed consent.
In the intervention group, labor room lighting is adjusted to a dim light environment with an illumination level maintained between 50 and 80 lux, using warm white or amber light sources. Light intensity is monitored at regular intervals using a lux meter. In the control group, routine labor room lighting conditions are maintained in accordance with standard clinical practice.
Pain intensity and anxiety levels are assessed at predefined time points during labor using validated measurement tools. Labor progress and obstetric outcomes, including use of labor augmentation, duration of labor stages, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes, are recorded from clinical charts.
The primary outcome is derived from changes in pain intensity over time during labor. Secondary outcomes include anxiety levels, labor characteristics, and maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes.
The dim light intervention is non-invasive and does not interfere with routine obstetric care. For clinical or safety reasons, room lighting can be increased immediately at any time at the discretion of the clinical team. All participants receive standard intrapartum care according to institutional protocols.
Study data are collected prospectively and stored in an anonymized format to ensure participant confidentiality. The study is conducted in accordance with ethical principles and has received approval from the relevant institutional ethics committee.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were individually randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the dim-light intervention group or the standard-light control group using a computer-generated randomization sequence. Allocation assignments were placed in sealed, opaque envelopes prepared by an independent individual not involved in participant recruitment, clinical care, or outcome assessment. Following confirmation of eligibility and written informed consent, each participant personally selected an envelope, which was then opened to reveal the allocation.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Dim Light (50-80 Lux) | Experimental | Other: Dim Light Exposure During LaborLabor room lighting will be maintained at 50-80 lux using warm white/amber light sources. Illumination will be monitored at regular intervals with a lux meter. Standard intrapartum care will be provided; lighting may be increased immediately if clinically needed. |
| Routine Lighting (Control) | Active comparator | Other: Routine Labor Room LightingRoutine labor room lighting will be maintained according to standard clinical practice. Standard intrapartum care will be provided. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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)
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Dim Light Exposure During LaborAdjustment of labor room illumination to a target range of 50-80 lux during active labor, with monitoring using a lux meter; lighting can be increased at any time for clinical reasons. | Other | Dim Light (50-80 Lux) |
| Routine Labor Room LightingStandard labor room lighting conditions maintained according to routine clinical practice, without modification of illumination levels. | Other | Routine Lighting (Control) |
Primary outcome
Pain intensity over time (VAS-AUC, 0-120 minutes)
Time frame: From baseline to 120 minutes during active labor
Pain intensity will be assessed using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline (0 minutes), 60 minutes, and 120 minutes after allocation. The area under the curve (AUC) for VAS from 0 to 120 minutes will be calculated as the primary outcome.
7 secondary outcomes
Anxiety level (six-item short-form state anxiety score)
Time frame: From baseline to 90 minutes during active labor
Oxytocin use (initiation rate and total dose)
Time frame: During labor until delivery
Duration of active phase of labor
Time frame: From enrollment to full dilation
Duration of second stage of labor
Time frame: From full dilation to delivery
Mode of delivery
Time frame: At delivery
Estimated blood loss
Time frame: At delivery / immediate postpartum
Neonatal outcomes (Apgar scores)
Time frame: 1 and 5 minutes after birth
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 32563747Zsido AN, Teleki SA, Csokasi K, Rozsa S, Bandi SA. Development of the short version of the spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory. Psychiatry Res. 2020 Sep;291:113223. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113223. Epub 2020 Jun 12.
- Background: PubMed 30670709Wronding T, Argyraki A, Petersen JF, Topsoe MF, Petersen PM, Lokkegaard ECL. The aesthetic nature of the birthing room environment may alter the need for obstetrical interventions - an observational retrospective cohort study. Sci Rep. 2019 Jan 22;9(1):303. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-36416-x.
- BackgroundBalabanoff D. Color, light, and birth space design: An integrative review. Color Res Appl. 2023;48:413-32. doi: 10.1002/COL.22842
- Background: PubMed 36915051Kazemi A, Beigi M, Najafabadi HE. Environmental factors influencing women's childbirth experiences in labor-delivery-recovery-postpartum unit: a qualitative cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2023 Mar 13;23(1):169. doi: 10.1186/s12884-023-05488-7.
- Background: PubMed 26834435Buckley SJ. Executive Summary of Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing: Evidence and Implications for Women, Babies, and Maternity Care. J Perinat Educ. 2015;24(3):145-53. doi: 10.1891/1058-1243.24.3.145.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared due to the sensitive nature of intrapartum clinical data and the absence of participant consent for data sharing beyond the objectives of this study. De-identified aggregate results will be reported through publications.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Dim Light Exposure During Labor and Routine Labor Room Lighting in people with Labor Pain and Anxiety and Labor Progress, run by Pınar Erdoğan at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain intensity over time (VAS-AUC, 0-120 minutes) (time frame: From baseline to 120 minutes during active labor). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07310602, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Sep 2026.