Management of the second stage of labor: a review (Part I)

The second stage of labor is defined as that time from the completion of dilitation of the cervix to the delivery of the infant. Considerable controversy exists in the current obstetric and midwifery literature concerning the appropriate management of this stage of labor. With increased use of regional anesthesia, electronic fetal monitoring and the shift in favor of active management of labor, the second stage is often accompanied by forceful bearing-down efforts, repeated Valsalva maneuvers and an increase in the use of forceps, vacuum extraction and episiotomies. Probably the single strongest point resulting in active intervention in the second stage of labor is the rigid use of the Friedman Curve. This approach tends to insist upon a predetermined time interval and promotes early intervention. The opinions on both sides of this controversy are the topic of this review.