A Hospital-Based Randomized Controlled Trial-Comparing the Outcome of Normal Delivery Between Squatting and Lying...

Labour is a physiological process. Before the seventeenth century, the upright birthing position was common in western countries. The supine position became popular because of the convenience for health professionals rather than the benefits for women.

To compare the outcomes of normal deliveries between squatting and lying down positions and to assess the risks and benefits of squatting position during the second and third stages of labour and its comparison with the lying down position.

A hospital-based prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in tertiary care centre carried over a period of 18 months among 212 female patients in labour assigned in Group A squatting position and Group B lying down position.

The mean age of patients in Group A was 23.30 ± 4.30 years and Group B was 23.81 ± 4.13 years. The mean duration of second and third stages of labour in both multigravida and primigravida patients was significantly lower in Group A (p < 0.05). The mean amount of blood loss in Group A was significantly higher compared to Group B (p < 0.05). The mean VAS score assessing severity of pain at second stage and third stage of labour was significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B (p < 0.05).

Squatting position was found much convenient for mothers in terms of less duration of second stage of labour, less number of patients administered oxytocin, lesser extension of episiotomy and greater maternal satisfaction on severity of pain.