EFFECT OF SITTING POSITION ON DURATION OF SECOND STAGE OF LABOR AND APGAR SCORE

Abstract

Background : Mother's position during labor has been a major concern for faster, easier and more tolerable birth. In fact, position change during labor be introduced ad a solution for dystopia, prolonged labor and labor arrest. Furthermore, pregnancy outcome including the health of fetus and neonate is affected by upright delivery position. Objective : To determine the effect of sitting position on the duration of 2nd stage of labor and neonatal apgar score. Design : This was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Samples: 100 women were selected consecutively and assigned randomly to one of trail or control group(50 in each). Results : The duration of 2nd stage of labor was significantly lower in case versus comparative group )p= 0.01). The statistical significance wasn't found for the 1st and 5 minutes after birth apgar score in comparison between 2 groups. Discussion : Although, sitting position was found shorten the 2nd stage of labor in this study, it is suggested that mothers be given the chance to choose own position of delivery.

Keywords

• sitting position
• upright position
• birth stool