Effect of Upright Positioning on the Process and Outcome of Labour Among Parturient in Primary Health Care Setting

Abstract

Introduction

The position of the woman during labour is an essential part of maternal care, but some care providers often neglect it. There are also some recommended birthing positions, but there is a lack of data on how midwives translate the findings into practice.

Objective

This study aimed to compare upright and supine births concerning the birth process and outcomes among women who have given birth in primary health care settings.

Material and Methods

This is a quantitative comparative study among parturient in primary health care setting. An observational checklist was used as a data collection tool. A total of 40 parturient (20 each for upright and recumbent position groups) were selected as the study participants. Data were analysed using an independent t-test and chi-square test.

Results

Findings indicated that although the uterus contracts more frequent in an upright position, there was no substantial difference between the groups concerning the progress of labour (p > .05). However, findings suggested that the upright position is associated with a shorter duration in the third stage of labour compared to the recumbent position (p < .05). Blood lost was <500 mils for 75% of the upright position and 55% of the recumbent position group (p = .054).

Conclusion

Upright position may shorten the duration of the third stage of labour (compared to recumbent position) among parturients. Hence, midwives can utilise the upright/vertical protocol during their practice to ensure better outcome of the labour and minimise blood loss for the parturient.