Enhancing maternal autonomy in choosing birthing positions: an exploratory pre-post intervention study protocol...

Although evidence on whether particular birthing positions offer advantages over others remains inconclusive, the majority of women give birth in the supine position. Earlier research associates maternal satisfaction with autonomy and active participation in choosing positions, irrespective of the clinical outcome. In practice, however, autonomy may be limited by the dynamics of labour, insufficient information and sociocultural norms. Against this background, the intervention aims to enhance maternal autonomy in childbirth through the provision of activating information materials and psychological nudges. Women shall be encouraged to explore various positions enabling them to autonomously choose positions that best align with their individual needs.

Using an exploratory pre-post design, this controlled intervention is carried out as a multicentre study in six German obstetrics departments. The intervention will include various ways to inform and nudge women to move and try out various positions autonomously during childbirth. Due to its minimally invasive character, it should easily integrate into organisational processes and everyday care. The primary endpoint of the study is the proportion of mothers who indicate that their final birthing position felt appropriate. Secondary endpoints include the proportion of upright positions as final birthing positions and maternal and neonatal health outcomes among others. Data sources include maternal longitudinal data, birth companions' and midwives'/physicians' perspectives as well as clinical sheets and aggregated comparisons.

This study obtained ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn and the Medical Chamber of Nordrhein (2025-325 BO). All study procedures will adhere to relevant data protection regulations. Dissemination of project information, materials and results will take place through the project homepage, social media and peer-reviewed journals.

DRKS00036899; (https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00036899/entails).