Labor Position and Maternal Birth Experience
Conditions
Brief summary
Background: Maternal position during labor is a key non-pharmacological strategy that supports physiological birth and women's active participation in the childbirth process. Although upright positions have been associated with favorable labor outcomes compared with supine positions, evidence directly comparing different upright positions-particularly in relation to maternal birth experience and perceived traumatic birth-remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of standing and squatting positions during the first stage of labor on the birth process, birth comfort, pain intensity, and perceived traumatic birth experience among multiparous women. Methods: This study was conducted using a comparative interventional design. A total of 82 multiparous women were included and allocated to either the standing group (n=41) or the squatting group (n=41) during labor. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Labor Comfort Scale, and the Traumatic Birth Perception Scale. Outcomes were assessed during labor and within the first two hours postpartum. Statistical analyses included comparative and correlation analyses.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALStanding Position During Labor
Women were encouraged to remain standing or to walk during contraction-related pain episodes throughout the first stage of labor under midwife supervision.
BEHAVIORALSquatting Position During Labor
Women were encouraged to assume the squatting position during contractions during the first stage of labor, supported by a birthing ball or bed rails according to preference.
Sponsors
Biruni University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Multiparous women aged ≥18 years * Gestational age between 38 and 42 weeks * Singleton pregnancy with cephalic presentation * Cervical dilatation ≥4 cm at admission * Low-risk pregnancy * Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Multiple pregnancy * Presentation anomalies * High-risk pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta-related complications) * Fetal distress or known fetal anomalies * Any medical or obstetric condition requiring restricted mobility during labor
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Total Labor Duration | From active labor onset (cervical dilatation ≥4 cm) to delivery | Total duration of labor measured in hours. |
| Birth Duration | From the active phase of labor to birth | Duration of the birth process measured in minutes. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed