Rashad, W., Shuaib, F. (2010). Effect of Two Different Positions on Parturients’ Perception of Labor Pains Intensity. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 40(4), 724-738. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2010.20630
Wafaa Rashad; Fatma Shuaib. "Effect of Two Different Positions on Parturients’ Perception of Labor Pains Intensity". Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 40, 4, 2010, 724-738. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2010.20630
Rashad, W., Shuaib, F. (2010). 'Effect of Two Different Positions on Parturients’ Perception of Labor Pains Intensity', Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 40(4), pp. 724-738. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2010.20630
Rashad, W., Shuaib, F. Effect of Two Different Positions on Parturients’ Perception of Labor Pains Intensity. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 2010; 40(4): 724-738. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2010.20630
Effect of Two Different Positions on Parturients’ Perception of Labor Pains Intensity
Department of Obstetric and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Labor is a local process that involves the abdomen and reproductive organs, but its intensity is so great that almost all body systems are affected.One of the various systems in which major changes occur in response to labor is in the neurological system, which is related to pain. Position assumed during childbirth affects the woman's anatomic and physiologic adaptations to labor. Objective: To determine the effect of two different positions on parturients’ perception of labor pains intensity. Methods: A randomized, crossover study was conducted at the delivery room affiliated to King Fahd University Hospital in Saudi Arabia Kingdom. It included 84 parturient primiparae who were randomly assigned to one of two groups, in which either side-lying or sitting position was first used then alternate with the other position to avoid order effect. Group 1 started in the sitting position for 15 minutes, and then they were asked to reposition themselves in the side-lying position. Group 2 started in the side-lying position for 15 minutes, and then they were asked to reposition themselves in the sitting position. An interview and physical assessment sheet was developed and used by the researchers to collect data about general characteristics as well as general and local physical assessment.The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)was also used tomeasure the intensity of labor pains as perceived by participants in each position. Results: The results of the study revealed that mean pain score was statistically decreased in side-lying position among group 1, while it was statistically increased in sitting position among group 2, although sitting position statistically enhanced cervical dilatation and rupture of membranes among group 2. Conclusion: Side-lying position significantly reduces the intensity of labor pains during the active phase of labor.