The effects of maternal position on labour and obstetric outcomes, a prospective, randomized trial

Abstract

Objective: There is an ongoing debate on maternal positions during the first stage of labour. The aim of this study is to evaluate the advantages, disadvantages, obstetric outcomes and maternal comfort levels of walking during in the first stage of labour. Material and Methods: The study was carried on between March 2013 and June 2013. Healthy, singleton pregnancies were included in the study. For this purpose, a total of 120 pregnant women were randomized for either supine position or walking during the first stage of labour. The groups were compared in regards of duration of labour, cesarean section rates, the need for oxytocin augmentation and analgesia, pain perceptions of women during labour, obstetric outcomes and newborn APGAR scores. Results: The visual analog scale (VAS) 1 results, which were obtained immediately after the hospitalization, were 4.1±1.3 and 3.9±1.3 for the mobilization and supine position groups respectively (p=0.628). The VAS 2 results, obtained at the end of the first stage of labour, were significantly lower in the mobilization group compared to supine group (4.5±1.8 vs 5.9±1.6 respectively; p<0.001). The length of first and second phases of labour, the need for oxytocin induction or augmentation, cesarean delivery rates, obstetric outcomes and neonatal APGAR scores were not different among mobilization and supine group. Conclusion: We found that there were no difference in obstetric outcomes between the groups; besides, the women in upright position had higher maternal comfort levels. Therefore, especially low risk women should be encouraged to choose the most convenient position during the first stage of labour. Cop yright & 2016 by Tür ki ye Kli nik le ri.