The effectiveness of sitting position during second stage of labor among primiparae on maternal and neonatal outcomes

Abstract

Background: There is longstanding debate concerning the most advantageous labor positions. Lithotomy position is the most common position used in tertiary settings, but the sitting position has been recommended more recently. Labor position in the second stage of labor affects maternal and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, the current study aims to compare the effectiveness of lithotomy and sitting positions during the second stage of labor on maternal and neonatal outcomes using a quasi-experimental design with purposeful sampling.

Methods: Sample size: 120 low-risk primiparae, divided equally in sitting and lithotomy positions. Setting: Labor and delivery unit at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah. Sampling: Data collected over six months, from January to June 2020. Tool: A structured, five-part questionnaire. Data analysis: Chi-square test with post hoc Bonferroni test to examine significant differences between the two groups, using SPSS version 24.0.

Results: Significant positive effects of sitting position are observed in reduced episiotomy rate and newborn transfer to the intensive care unit, shortened second stage of labor, improved mode of delivery, newborn arterial cord PH, Apgar score at one and five minutes of life, and maternal satisfaction (p-value < .05).

Conclusions: The sitting position during the second stage of labor has more positive effects than the lithotomy position for maternal and neonatal outcomes. Recommendation: Women should have the right to be educated about the benefits of the sitting position during the second stage of labor.