Comparison of Effectiveness between Supported Sitting and Conventional Lithotomy Position

Abstract

Objective: To compare supported sitting and conventional lithotomy birthing position in terms of frequency of pain, mean duration of second stage of labour and mode of delivery during active phase of labour.

Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Gynae and Obstetric department of Benazir Bhutto Hospital from 29th July 2016 to 28th Jan 2017. A total 60 women presenting in active phase of labour were randomly assigned in equal numbers into two groups. In Group A (Experimental group), women`s back was supported with simple back rest attached to standard delivery table during second stage of labour. While in Group B (Control group) the women assume the standard lithotomy position. Routine delivery was conducted according to standard protocols. Outcome was assessed in terms of duration of second stage of labour, type of delivery and intensity of labour pain. All the data was collected via study proforma. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 20.

Results: Mean age of women in Group-A was 30.0±2.11 years and in Group-B were 29.53±2.12 years. In group A, spontaneous vaginal deliveries were occurred in 25(83.3%) women, whereas in Group-B spontaneous vaginal deliveries were done in 14(46.7%) women (p=0.001). Severity of pain was significantly high in group B as compared to group A (p=0.004). Duration of second stage of labour was significantly shorter in Group-A women. i.e. 63.83 vs. 49.73, (p=0.000).

Conclusion: In the observation of this study the supported sitting posture maximizes maternal birthing position showed significant effectiveness in terms of less cesarean section rate, less pain and shorter duration of 2nd stage of labour.