Abstract

Earliest records of maternal birth positions show the parturient in an upright posture, usually squatting or kneeling. Where as in today’s standards a mother has to lie down in dorsal position for the convenience of the health personnel. Dorsal position is not based on evidence and it comes with multitude of disadvantages and poor outcome.
Aims: To determine the benefits of alternate birthing positions during the second stage of labor and their effects on maternal and fetal outcome.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a Prospective Comparative Cohort Study. This Study was conducted from April 2021 to September 2022 (18 months) at Department of Labor Room of Chittaranjan Seva Sadan College of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Child Health.
Result: Labor pain score assessment showed that women in Group A had lower pain as compared to women in Group B during second stage of labor. No significant difference was noted between the two groups in terms of mode of delivery. 98.7% women in Group A and 98.3% women in Group B had vaginal delivery. Fetal heart rate patterns, NICU admissions and APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes after birth were not affected by maternal birthing positions.
Conclusion: From our study, it can be concluded that women who are given a choice to choose an alternate birthing position have better satisfaction and reduced intensity of labor pain. Also, there is reduction in the duration of second stage of labor and the need for episiotomy in alternate birthing position than the conventional dorsal position. Educating the health care professionals, midwives and nursing staff regarding the advantages of alternate birthing positions over dorsal position is important for a better labor care.