Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
Does occiput posterior position in the second stage of labour increase the operative delivery rate?
Wendy J Carseldine1, Hala Phipps, Shannon F Zawada
1Maternity and Gynaecology Department, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia. wendy.carseldine@hotmail.com
Objectives:
To assess the impact of occipito-posterior position in the second stage of labour on operative delivery.
Methods:
Double-blinded prospective cohort study of ultrasound determined occiput-posterior position during the second stage of labour compared with occiput-anterior position. The primary outcome was operative (caesarean section, forceps or vacuum) delivery.
Results:
A total of 68% (13/19) women in the occiput-posterior group, and 27% (39/141) in the occiput-anterior group had an operative delivery (unadjusted: P < 0.001). Caesarean section was performed in 37% and 5%, respectively (P < 0.001). The occiput-posterior group had a longer second stage (mean 2 h 59 minutes vs 1 h 54 minutes; P = 0.001) and larger infants (mean 3723 g vs 3480 g, P = 0.024). In the logistic regression, occiput-posterior position, nulliparity, abnormal second stage cardiotocograph and epidural analgesia were independent predictors for operative delivery.
Conclusions:
Occiput-posterior position early in the second stage of labour is strongly associated with operative delivery. There is potential to explore interventions such as manual rotation.
More Related Videos
07:11Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling
Published on: February 5, 2019
05:46Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures (IRCP): A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation
Published on: January 17, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:11Anatomical Positions
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...