BIRTHING POSITIONS INFLUENCE ON SECOND STAGE OF LABOUR

Abstract

Aim. Tto evaluate the impact of flexible sacrum and supine birthing positions on second stage of labour by analysing the recent scientific literature. Methods: Medline, Central, Google Scholar databases were searched. This review included 6 randomized controlled trials. Results. An analysis of 6 studies examining at least two different birthing positions and their impact on the course of labour found that the use of the flexible sacrum birthing position tends to shorten the duration of the second stage of labour and reduce pain compared to the supine position. No statistical significance was found for the amount of blood loss, the incidence of perineal tears and the incidence of episiotomies when comparing different birthing positions. Conclusions. Patients benefit more from flexible sacrum birthing position and should be able to choose their birthing position freely during the second stage of labour in normal, low-risk labour.