BMC Nursing (Jan 2025)

Effects of maternal positions in electronic fetal monitoring: a randomised controlled trial

  • Tuğba Yilmaz Esencan,
  • Ayça Demir Yildirim,
  • Ebru Sağiroğlu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02654-w
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 1
pp. 1 – 11

Abstract

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Abstract Background During electronic fetal monitoring, the positions provided to mothers by perinatal nurses and midwives are essential for ensuring maternal comfort, as well as maternal and fetal well-being. This study aimed to investigate the impact of various maternal positions during electronic fetal monitoring on maternal and fetal health. Methods This study was conducted in a randomized controlled trial design. The study included 240 pregnant women at 34–40 weeks of gestation. The data were collected via a descriptive form for pregnant women and a general comfort questionnaire. Results A statistically significant difference was found between cardiotocography monitoring positions in terms of cardiotocography duration, basal heart rate, and acceleration during cardiotocography (p < 0.05). The study indicated that the semi-Fowler position has a statistically significant effect on maternal comfort (t = 3.834, p < 0.05). It was also noted that the semi-Fowler position created a 0.911 rate of increase in general comfort. Conclusions The use of the semi sitting position as an alternative to the left lateral position in the clinic is worthy of recommendation, and in pregnant women with a high body mass index, the semi sitting position should be preferred during fetal monitoring. It is recommended that the semi-Fowler position be preferred for fetal monitoring in pregnant women with a high BMI, and further research should be conducted to make these positions standard in the clinic. Clinical Study Registration Since our research constituted a randomized controlled study, it was registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov website under ClinicalTrials ID No. NCT05863156|| https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ ) with the Clinical Trial Registry (30.12.2021/{1}) Trial registration In addition, clinical trials were registered (NCT05863156|| https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ ) with the Clinical Trial Registry (30.12.2021/{1})).

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