Upright Position During First Stage of Labour

Effect of Upright Position During First Stage of Labour On Labour Outcome: An Evidence Based Approach

There are several physiological advantages for being upright during labour. These include the effect of gravity on the fetus within the uterus; reduced risk of aorto-caval compression this maximizes uterine blood flow to the placenta and fetus during labour and more efficient contractions which lead to shorter first and second stage of labor. In addition, being upright during labour provide better alignment of the fetus; and increased pelvic outlet when the woman is in squatting and kneeling positions

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primipara parturient women who admitted to delivery unit;
• in early active phase of 1st stage of labor (not more than 4cm),
• age between 20-35 years,
• had a single, viable, and full term (≥ 37 weeks),
• with normal fetal heart rate pattern (120-160 b/min),
• fetus in occipto anterior position
• free from medical or obstetrical disorders that may interrupt labor progress

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any women out of inclusion criteria