Maternal positions and mobility during first stage labour

Abstract

This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows: The purpose of this review is to assess the effects of different upright and recumbent positions and mobilisation for women in the first stage of labour on, length of labour, type of delivery and other important maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. This primary objective is: - To compare the effects of upright (defined as walking and upright non walking e.g. sitting, standing, kneeling, squatting and all fours) positions with recumbent positions (supine, semi recumbent and lateral) assumed by women in the first stage of labour on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. The secondary objectives are: - To compare the effects of semi recumbent and supine positions with lateral positions assumed by women in the first stage of labour on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. - To compare the effects of walking with upright non walking positions (sitting, standing, kneeling, squatting, all fours) assumed by women in the first stage of labour on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. -To compare the effects of walking with recumbent positions (supine, semi recumbent and lateral) assumed by women in the first stage of labour on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. -To compare allowing women to assume the position/s they choose with recumbent positions (supine, semi recumbent and lateral) assumed by women in the first stage of labour on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes.