The effects of different maternal positions on non-stress test: an experimental study

To determine the effects of different maternal positions on non-stress test results and the preferences of mothers for involving positions.

The non-stress test (NST) has become a common tool in diagnosing fetal risks. The major problem encountered in the application of the non-stress test has been obtaining erroneous non-reactive non-stress test results when, indeed, the fetus is healthy and oxygenation is sufficient.

Experiment design with randomly assigned four positions: supine, left lateral, semi-fowler and sitting up. The sample included 408 women in a university hospital in Turkey. Women were randomly assigned to four groups in equal numbers of 102. Data collection and analysis. Data were collected through two instruments: Demographic and Pregnancy History Form and NST tracing. Main outcome measures were percentage of reactive NST and number of minutes for reactivity in each position.

There were significant (P < 0.05) differences among four groups. Supine position showed the least fetal reactivity. In terms of time to reactivity, there were no statistically significant differences. Qualitative data showed that pregnant women were least comfortable in supine position reporting back pain and shortening of breath.

Supine position yields the lowest non-reactivity in tandem with physical discomfort such as back pain and difficulty in breathing.

Sitting up, semi-fowler and left lateral positions are recommended to be used during the non-stress test. In addition, the preferences of the pregnant women should be determined before the test to minimize discomfort which, when it occurs, may signal physiological alterations experienced during the test.