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Randomised trial comparing the upright and supine positions for the second stage of labour
P R de Jong1, R B Johanson, P Baxen
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Objective:
To assess the maternal and neonatal effects of upright compared with recumbent positions during delivery, in terms of defined outcome variables.
Design:
A randomised controlled trial.
Setting:
St Monica's Nursing Home, a midwife based maternity unit in Cape Town, South Africa.
Participants:
Five hundred and seventeen women of low obstetrical risk assigned to deliver at the nursing home.
Results:
The trial showed that women who adopted the upright posture for delivery experienced less pain. perineal trauma and fewer episiotomies than those who delivered in the supine position.
Conclusion:
The data suggest that in women of low obstetrical risk, choice of posture during delivery may be encouraged.