Spontaneous Versus Directing Pushing: An Exploration Of Current Practice, Evidence, Theories And The Potential For Promotion Of Physiological Birth

Abstract

In spite of national and local guidelines advocating for spontaneous maternal effort during the second stage of labour, directed pushing is still common in the UK. In this article, relevant research findings will be examined and critically appraised and theories pertinent to sociological and psychological aspects of care will be considered. Through analysing the role of the midwife, the potential for promotion of normality will be discussed.