The Effects of Self-Regulatory Delivery Position

Abstract

Two matched groups of self-selected women who delivered in self-regulatory upright position (n=59) and a fixed supine position (n=105) were compared to evaluate the physical and emotional effects of maternal delivery positions. Data from recorded partograms were retrospectively analyzed on several variables. An open questionnaire was answered by the women and their partners in the self-regulatory upright group to assess the emotional effects.
Results showed no significant differences in the amount of bleeding, the duration of the first and third stage of labor, the number of women with first degree lacerations, Apgar scores, and the birth weights of the new bornes in both primiparas and multiparas. In primiparas, the durations of the second stage and the total durations of first to third stage of labor were significantly shorter in the self-regulatory upright group women.
Birth experiences were satisfactory for the self-regulatory upright group as women felt that the naturally adopted birthing positions were relaxing and comfortable.
Freeing the women from a fixed delivery position had physical and emotional effects of facilitating the progresses of labors while no adverse effects were found.