The purpose of this study was to determine if women who assumed upright positions during the phase of maximum slope would have a shorter phase of maximum slope in their labor and experience more comfort than women who assumed recumbent positions. Forty laboring women were randomly assigned to either an upright or recumbent position group. Subjects assumed the positions of their assigned group during the phase of maximum slope in their labor (cervical dilatation from 4 cm to 9 cm). Every hour during the phase of maximum slope, each subject was examined vaginally to determine her cervical dilatation and assessed for her level of comfort using the Maternal Comfort Assessment Tool. Women in the upright position group had a significantly shorter phase of maximum slope in labor, but did not significantly differ in comfort level from women in the recumbent group. Newborn Apgar scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Nurses need to be aware that the upright labor positions have the distinct advantages of facilitating efficient uterine contractions and reducing the duration of the phase of maximum slope in labor, with no increase in the discomfort experienced or adverse effect on newborn well-being.
Copyright by WB Saunders Company.

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