[In which position do women give birth in 2015? Results from a prospective multicenter study]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Care
• Maternal Health

Background:

• The choice of labor and birth positions can influence maternal and neonatal outcomes.
• Understanding current practices and associated factors is crucial for evidence-based recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of labor and birth positions in 2015.
• To identify factors influencing the selection and modification of positions during labor.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter prospective study was conducted over five weeks in 2015.
• Observed birth positions during the first and second stages of labor were recorded.
• Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with main birth position and position changes.

Main Results:

• 86.1% of women delivered in the gynecological position.
• Shorter labor duration (<2 hours) was associated with dorsal decubitus position.
• Epidural analgesia correlated with increased position changes during labor.
• Prematurity and shorter labor duration were linked to fewer position changes.

Conclusions:

• The gynecological position remains the predominant birth position.
• Systematic data collection on birth positions is recommended to evaluate their benefits and drawbacks.