Related Experiment Videos
Maternal posture in second stage and fetal acid base status
F D Johnstone1, M S Aboelmagd, A K Harouny
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Kuwait.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|August 1, 1987
Summary
The dorsal position during childbirth may negatively impact fetal well-being, indicated by lower cord artery pH. Avoiding prolonged dorsal positioning is recommended, though an optimal alternative requires further study.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Maternal positioning during the second stage of labor can influence fetal outcomes.
- Limited research exists on the specific effects of the dorsal versus lateral tilt positions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of maternal position (dorsal vs. 15-degree lateral tilt) during the second stage of labor on neonatal outcomes.
- To assess the relationship between labor duration, maternal position, and fetal acid-base status.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 58 women of parity 0 or 1.
- Second stage of labor conducted in either the dorsal or 15-degree lateral tilt position.
- Analysis of cord artery pH, PCO2, and base deficit in relation to maternal position and labor duration.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in clinical outcomes between the groups.
- The dorsal group showed lower cord artery pH, higher PCO2, and a greater base deficit.
- A trend towards decreasing pH and increasing base deficit with prolonged second stage was observed in the dorsal group.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged dorsal positioning during the second stage of labor may be associated with adverse fetal acid-base status.
- The flat dorsal position should be avoided, but a definitive alternative has not been established.
- Factors like low Apgar scores and complicated pregnancies correlate with lower fetal pH levels.