Effects of free-posture parturition on parturition outcomes and pelvic floor function in puerperae

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of free-posture parturition on the parturition outcomes and pelvic floor function of puerperae. Methods Totally 270 pregnant women who met the requirements were divided into an observation group (n=135) and a control group (n=135) by the prospective randomized controlled clinic trail. Pregnant women in the observation group adopted free-posture parturition, while pregnant women in the control group delivered in the frequently used supine position. The pregnant women in both groups were managed according to the existing labor standards, and the effects of free-posture parturition on their parturition outcomes and pelvic floor function were observed. Results Totally 133 pregnant women in the observation group delivered naturally and 2 transferred to cesarean parturition in the process, while 102 pregnant women in the control group delivered naturally and 33 transferred to cesarean parturition in the process (χ2=31.55, P 0.05) . The uniparae in the observation group were less likely to show reduced typeⅠand typeⅡ muscle fiber strength than the uniparae in the control group (P 0.05) . There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of urinary incontinence between the puerparae in the two groups (P>0.05) . Conclusions The use of free-posture parturition can reduce the possibility of cesarean parturition substantially. The duration of labor stage in uniparae can be shortened significantly, and their pelvic floor muscle strength is better than that of the puerparea in the control group. Free-posture parturition does not contribute to negative outcomes of maternals and fetals. Key words: Parturition; Free-posture; Parturition outcome; Pelvic floor function