Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare obstetrical outcomes associated with coached versus uncoached pushing during the second stage of labor. Study design: Upon reaching the second stage, previously consented nulliparous women with uncomplicated labors and without epidural analgesia were randomly assigned to coached (n = 163) versus uncoached (n = 157) pushing. Women allocated to coaching received standardized closed glottis pushing instructions by certified nurse-midwives with proper ventilation encouraged between contractions. These midwives also attended those women assigned to no coaching to ensure that any expulsive efforts were involuntary. Results: The second stage of labor was abbreviated by approximately 13 minutes in coached women (P = .01). There were no other clinically significant immediate maternal or neonatal outcomes between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Although associated with a slightly shorter second stage, coached maternal pushing confers no other advantages and withholding such coaching is not harmful.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 10-13 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | American journal of obstetrics and gynecology |
| Volume | 194 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2006 |
Keywords
- Coached pushing
- Second-stage labor management
- Uncoached pushing
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology