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Randomised trial comparing the upright and supine positions for the second stage of labour
Author(s) -
Jong P. R.,
Johanson R. B.,
Baxen P.,
Adrians V. D.,
Westhuisen S.,
Jones P. W.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1997.tb11534.x
Subject(s) - supine position , medicine , position (finance) , physical therapy , randomized controlled trial , surgery , finance , economics
Objective To assess the maternal and neonatal effects of upright compared with recumbent positions during delivery, in terms of defined outcome variables. Design A randomised controlled trial. Setting St Monica's Nursing Home, a midwife based maternity unit in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants Five hundred and seventeen women of low obstetrical risk assigned to deliver at the nursing home. Results The trial showed that women who adopted the upright posture for delivery experienced less pain, perineal trauma and fewer episiotomies than those who delivered in the supine position. Conclusion The data suggest that in women of low obstetrical risk, choice of posture during delivery may be encouraged.