Effect of Upright Position versus Conventional Labour Position on Selected Feto - Maternal Outcomes

Introduction: Pregnancy is a natural physiological phenomenon & delivery is it's natural culmination. Despite the fact that the upright position is thought to hasten the delivery, most of the mothers are made to lie down during the entire birthing process. Aims & Objectives: To determine the effect of upright position during active phase of first stage of labor on selected feto -maternal outcomes. Material and Methods: An experimental study, with post -test only control group design conducted on 76 nulliparous women, aged 19 -40yrs with singleton pregnancy with no high -risk factors. Simple random sampling was used to select the study samples. In the experimental group mothers were instructed to ambulate during active phase of first stage of labor for a duration of 10mins, then sit on a birthing stool for a period of 10mins followed by a resting phase in position of comfort for 40mins, repeating 4 such cycles until full dilatation of cervix. The control group was given conventional labour position. Thereafter the selected feto -maternal outcomes were assessed using a structured observational checklist, modified WHO partograph and standardized maternal satisfaction scale. Results: The results of the study revealed that the mean duration of labour in experimental group was shorter than the control group (Z value -8.75 at p<0.0001), establishing a statistically significant difference in the duration of active stage of labour. The length of hospital stay was significantly reduced in the experimental group (p< 0.002) as compared to the Control group.97.4% mothers reported greater satisfaction with their birthing experience in the experimental group as compared to 16 (42%) in the control group (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The upright position during active phase of first stage of labour was effective in improving selected feto -maternal outcomes.