Nursing management of second stage labor

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Nursing Science
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Traditional nursing management of the second stage of labor persists despite research.
• Current standard practices involve recumbent positions and sustained, closed-glottis pushing.
• Evidence suggests these traditional methods may not be optimal for maternal and fetal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on nursing management during the second stage of labor.
• To compare traditional approaches with evidence-based alternatives.
• To highlight the need for integrating updated knowledge into clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research findings on second stage labor management.
• Analysis of studies examining maternal positioning and pushing techniques.
• Discussion of bearing-down reflexes and their role in labor progression.

Main Results:

• Upright maternal positioning is associated with positive maternal and fetal outcomes.
• Open-glottis pushing, synchronized with the bearing-down reflex, appears beneficial.
• Research findings challenge the efficacy of traditional, sustained, closed-glottis pushing.

Conclusions:

• Current nursing management of the second stage of labor requires modernization.
• Implementing upright positions and open-glottis pushing aligns with evidence-based practice.
• There is a clear need to bridge the gap between research and clinical application in labor nursing.