The Length of Xiphoid to Fundus as a Measure of Labor Progress: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background:: Vaginal examination is widely recognized as the most common method for monitoring labor progress. However, researchers are currently exploring alternative methods, which are potentially less invasive or aggressive, to assess labor progress. background: Vaginal examination is the most common method of monitoring labor progress and alternative and less aggressive methods for evaluating labor and labor progress are under consideration. Objective:: This study aimed to assess the correlation between the length of the xiphoid to the fundus and the cervical dilation in the active phase of labor. Methods:: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 pregnant women in Varamin, Iran. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher- made questionnaire that included specific items regarding demographic characteristics, health status, and a checklist to record the results of examinations and labor progress. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and multiple linear regression with SPSS 22 software. The significance level was considered to be p <0.05. method: : This cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 pregnant women in Varamin, Iran. Sampling was done by available method. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, health status, examination form, and delivery progress and meter. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple linear regression with SPSS 22 software. Significance level was considered p <0.05. Results:: A total of 174 eligible women participated in the study, with a mean age of 25.90 ± 4.56 years (mean±SD) and a mean gestational age of 39.71 ± 1.03 weeks. There was a significant negative correlation between the length of the xiphoid to the fundus and cervical dilatation (p = 0.0001, r = -0.568). Conclusions:: The study revealed a significant negative correlation between the length of the xiphoid to the fundus and the cervical dilation. Therefore, the xiphoid to fundus measurement can serve as an alternative and complementary examination in cases that need frequent vaginal examinations. conclusion: There was a significant inverse correlation between the length of xiphoid to fundus and the cervical dilation. Therefore, given this size during the labor and delivery phases, it can be used as a non-invasive method of assessing labor and delivery progress.