Birth Chair Research Articles

A trial of delivery in a birth chair

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to find out whether looking after mothers in a birth chair during the second stage of labour had advantages over looking after mothers in a normal delivery bed. One hundred and seventy-five women were randomly allocated. Otherwise care resembled the everyday care given in the hospital. Mothers were more satisfied with the birth chair than they were with the delivery bed. With regard to the progress of labour and delivery and the health of the child and mother, the groups were fairly similar.

Effect of the Birth Chair on Fetal Outcome

Effect of the Birth Chair on Fetal Outcome

Effect of the Birth Chair on Duration of Second Stage Labor, Fetal Outcome, and Maternal Blood Loss

The effect of delivering in a birth chair on duration of second stage labor, fetal outcome, and maternal blood loss was examined in a retrospective study. The sample consisted of 60 primiparous women, 37 to 41 weeks gestation with a normal pregnancy and labor, 30 delivering on a traditional delivery table and 30 delivering in a birth chair. Comparisons were made between groups for mean duration of second stage labor, mean Apgar scores at one and five minutes, and mean maternal hemoglobin and hematocrit values during the pre- and post-partum periods. No significant difference was found between delivery table and birth chair groups for mean duration of second stage labor (birth chair, X = 60 minutes versus delivery table, X = 43 minutes, t = 1.66, p = .10). Mean Apgar scores at one and five minutes were nearly identical. Statistically significant differences existed between groups in mean maternal hemoglobin and hematocrit values. Both the mean hemoglobin and the mean hematocrit upon admission were significantly higher in the birth chair group (p less than .027). However, postpartally the birth chair group had significantly lower mean hemoglobin and hematocrit values (p less than .025). These findings suggest that the birth chair, as an alternate delivery method, is safe in terms of fetal outcome but presents no advantage to the mother in terms of shorter second stage labor. Further investigation of maternal blood loss is recommended to rule out possible untoward effects.

A RANDOMISED TRIAL TO EVALUATE THE USE OF A BIRTH CHAIR FOR DELIVERY

A randomised study of 189 deliveries was conducted to compare performance in the conventional dorsal position with that in a birth chair. There was no significant difference in the length of the second stage of labour, the time spent bearing down, or the need for operative delivery. Overall blood-loss was greater among patients delivered in the chair but more of this group had either an intact perineum or only superficial damage. The condition of the neonates in the two delivery groups was similar.

Which Protect Against Neonatal Morbidity: Focus on Maternal Position in Labor and Birth

ABSTRACT: The recumbent positions for labor and lithotomy position for birth serve the needs of the attendant rather than the needs of the woman and fetus. Various upright positions have been chosen for birth in most cultures. The advantages of upright and ambulant positions, with full mobility during labor, include avoidance of supine hypotension, aortic and uterine artery compression, cord compression FHR patterns, and inefficient contractions which are more painful. A birth stool or chair allows mothers to push more effectively and to use the great elasticity of the pelvis during delivery.

Bricks as Birth-Stool

Bricks as Birth-Stool