The effect of maternal birthing position on maternal and fetal outcome in multigravida women: A randomized parallel trial

• Author Details:   
• Sannidhi Jain
• Rajasri G Yaliwal ^*
• Shailaja Rajendra Bidri
• Shobha M Gudadinni

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Background: The mother's position during the second stage of labour (SSL) is called the birthing position. It is classified into two groups: 1. The positions like kneeling, squatting, standing, and sitting are called flexible sacrum positions 2. Lithotomy, semi-recumbent, dorsal, & supine positions are called as Non-flexible sacrum.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from 1/9/2023 to 30/4/2024. A total of 140 multigravidas in labour participated in this study. The type of study was a randomized parallel group. Participants were divided into two groups after randomization. Group A – the participants were given a squatting position, and Group B – were given a lateral position during SSL. The parameters noted were second-stage duration, perineal injury, preference of birthing position, blood loss, and the immediate effect on the neonate, which were noted in both groups and compared.

Results: The second stage mean duration for the squatting position was 25.93 minutes, while for the lateral position was 32.95 minutes (p > 0.001). In other parameters like perineal tears with or without episiotomy, intensity of pain, and blood loss, no significant difference were seen in both groups. Both groups had similar neonatal outcomes, including APGAR score, incidence of transient tachypnea of newborns and incidence of NICU admission. The preference rate for the same position in future deliveries was similar among both groups.

Conclusion: The duration of the SSL is less in the squatting position than in the lateral position among Multigravida. No significant difference was seen in other parturition parameters and neonatal outcomes between the squatting and the supine lateral position. Hence, the squatting position should be preferred over the lateral position in SSL.

Keywords: Second stage of labour (SSL), Squatting position, Lateral position, Birthing position, Neonatal outcome, Pain intensity, Randomized control trial (RCT).