Maternal and New-Born Outcomes When Using Upright and Supine Birth Positions During Labour and Delivery: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to assess the effects of upright and supine birth positions on maternal and new-born outcomes including maternal blood losses, duration of labor, perineum tear or intact, and APGAR score of the new-born in the first and fifth minutes in two District hospitals in Tanzania.
 Methodology: A quasi-experimental study design using a quantitative approach was conducted to assess the maternal and new-born outcomes in the in intervention study group (upright) and non-intervention group (supine). A convenient sample of 150 parturient were included, among them 73 formed an intervention group and 77 were in the non-intervention group. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23 whereby STATA software was used to assess the effect of the independent variables (birth positions) to the dependent variables (maternal and new-born outcomes). Results were compared using chi-square test at P-value <0. 05
 Findings: Among of women who assumed upright birth position were experienced good maternal and new-born outcomes more than those in supine position. 93% and 96% of women in upright had short labour in 1st and 2nd stage respectively compered 24.68% and 44% in supine respectively (P-value <0.001). Maternal blood loss and perineum status had no significant differences in both positions while the APGAR score of the new-born in upright (p=0.018) were more advanced than those in supine group. The study revealed that, Upright birth positions provides positive effects to maternal and new-born more than supine positions. The findings of this study will help pregnant women to have choice on birthing position they feel comfortable to use during labour and delivery.
 Recommendation: The Ministry of Health should build capacity of midwives to be able to conduct labour using alternative birthing positions including upright position.