Social support during premature labor: effects on labor and the newborn

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Abstract
Prematurity is the single most frequent abnormality associated with birth, and is associated with both neonatal deaths and developmental deficits. In uncomplicated labors at term, the presence of a supportive companion has been found to lead to reduced length of labor, reduced need for medication for pain management, and improved neonatal well being. The relationships have not been explored in premature labor. Women in premature labor between 26 and 37 weeks of gestation were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 11) or to a supported group (n = 14), who were accompanied during labor by a supportive companion. Support during labor was associated with fewer abnormally long labors, less frequent use of medication for pain management during labor, and improved neonatal wellbeing.