2011 Volume 25 Issue 2 Pages 149-159
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to analyze various maternal positions in the second stage of labor and the associated occurrence of perineal lacerations and episiotomy.
Methods
The literature search focused on the areas of nursing, midwifery and physiology. Analyzed quantitatively was the association between various maternal positions and outcomes of perineal laceration and episiotomy were then analyzed quantitatively.
Results
The findings related to maternal positions in the second stage of labor associated with perineal lacerations and episiotomies were the sitting position with mixed results of intact perineums and perineal lacerations. This was a major characteristic of using the birthing chair. Maternal positions, which were more likely to be associated with intact perineums and less with perineal lacerations, were: lateral, hands and knees and squatting. The maternal position, which was most likely to be associated with episiotomies, was the recumbent position, which included lithotomy and, semi-recumbent.
Conclusion
The numerically highest incidence of episiotomies was in the recumbent position, which may reflect the ease of performing an incision in that position.
