Integrated Intrapartum Supportive Care and Pushing Strategies in Women Receiving Low-Dose Epidural Analgesia

Integrated Intrapartum Supportive Care Combined With Different Pushing Strategies Among Women Receiving Low-Dose Epidural Analgesia: A Three-Arm Non-Randomized Quasi-Experimental Study

This prospective, three-arm, non-randomized quasi-experimental study aims to evaluate integrated intrapartum supportive care combined with different pushing strategies among women at 37-42 weeks of gestation who receive low-dose epidural analgesia. Participants receive integrated intrapartum supportive care combined with spontaneous pushing, integrated intrapartum supportive care combined with immediate pushing, or routine intrapartum care combined with immediate pushing. The primary outcomes are the durations of the first and second stages of labor. Secondary outcomes include mode of birth, obstetric interventions, maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes.

Participants are enrolled into one of three predefined care groups: (1) integrated intrapartum supportive care combined with spontaneous pushing (IC-SP), (2) integrated intrapartum supportive care combined with immediate pushing (IC-IP), or (3) routine intrapartum care combined with immediate pushing (RC-IP). Group allocation is determined prospectively according to the attending physician's established clinical practice. The RC-IP group receives the hospital's usual intrapartum care. Allocation is determined before implementation of the intervention and is not based on labor outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:low-risk pregnant women aged 18 years or older with a singleton, term pregnancy (37-42 weeks), spontaneous labor onset, and planning to receive low-dose epidural analgesia.

Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion Criteria: multiple gestation, non-cephalic presentation, known major fetal anomalies, planned cesarean birth, contraindications to vaginal birth, contraindications to maternal mobility or epidural analgesia, or inability to provide informed consent.