Maternal half-sitting position in the second stage of labor

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Abstract
Maternal half-sitting and supine position during the 2nd stage of full-term labor was compared in 100 women who, after identical opening phases in supine position, randomly delivered in half-sitting (50.degree., n = 50) or supine position (n = 50). The whole duration of the 2nd stage of labor or the time spent in active pushing did not differ between the groups. Vacuum extraction was needed twice (4%) in the group delivering in half-sitting and 6 times (12%) in the group delivering in supine position. Vaginal tear occurred in 1 mother in both groups. Early decelerations in fetal cardiotocography were seen 22 times in half-sitting and 14 times in supine group (P < 0.05). Late decelerations were seen in only 1 mother with half-sitting, as compared to 5 mothers with supine position. Four infants of mothers giving birth in supine position had 1 min Apgar scores 7 or less; all infants of mothers delivering in half-sitting position had Apgar scores higher than 7. Subjectively, the mothers liked the half-sitting position more. Evidently, a women can deliver in half-sitting position without maternal or fetal risks.

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