Efficacy of programmed labor protocol in providing shorter, safer and a relatively pain free delivery

Abstract

Introduction: Labor is a multifactorial spontaneous process, which involves myometrial contractions, cervical ripening and dilatation, expulsion of the fetus in an orderly manner with minimal aids. The thought of labor produces anguish and apprehension in women. In an attempt to overcome the same this indigenously developed protocol for parturient women was designed to make labor a pleasant experience. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective randomized clinical trial. Total of 100 parturient women at term in active labor who attended labor room, GSL Medical College & Hospital, Rajahmundry were admitted between April 2013 to March 2014. The study group received programmed labor protocol and control group managed expectantly. All were low risk primigravid women. The women entered the study after taking an informed and written consent. Result: Mean duration of Active phase was 3.47.24 hrs&5.61 .21hrs in study and controls respectively. Mean cervical dilatation rate was 3.05 .58 cm/ hr in study and 1.15.05cm/ hrin controls. Complications seen during labor in the study group were prolonged 2nd stage in 4(8%). One had dilatation of arrest at 5cms for almost 4hrs and underwent LSCS. One had fetal distress at full dilatation and delivered by forceps.88% had no complications. Conclusion: Programmed labor group had faster cervical dilatation, shorter labors, excellent pain relief, No impact on LSCS rates, No compromise on Maternal or Neonatal safety. It reduces laboring women’s anxiety, apprehension associated with labor and makes it a pleasant and memorable event. It can be used as routine protocol in low risk gravid women at least in institution. Keywords: Programmed labor protocol, Low risk primigravid women, Duration of labor, APGAR score.