Authors

1Patricia Cebrián Rodríguez, 2Enrique Ramón Arbués

Position

¹Enfermera y residente de Matrona. ²Enfermero Especialista en Obstetricia y Ginecología. Profesor de la Universidad “San Jorge" de Zaragoza.

Contact email: ramonarbues@hotmail.com

Abstract

Objectives: to review the current scientific evidence on the various positions in the second period of labour, its historical background, and to discuss which one would be most beneficial for both women and newborns.
Methods: a literature review from searching the most important biomedical databases, such as Pubmed, Dialnet, Scirus, ScienceDirect, etc.
Results: generally, greater benefit was seen in the vertical position than supine position in:

• Shortening the period of delivery.
• Decreasing number of episiotomies.
• Reduction of perineal tears.
• Reduced use of oxytocin and analgesia.
• Less number of manipulated deliveries.

Discussion: although the scientific evidences showed a benefit of
vertical position against the horizontal position in the expulsive phase, there are gaps about the preferences of women today and the training and motivation of the caregiver to help.

Keywords:

childbirth; episiotomy; perineum; positionsecond stage of labour

Versión en Español

Título:

Estudio de las posiciones de parto en la fase de expulsivo