ABSTRACT
This is a comparative quasi-experimental study that aimed to compare the effect of maternal semi-sitting versus dorsal recumbent position on maternal and fetal conditions as well as on the nature of the 2nd stage of labor. It was conducted at the delivery unit of El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital in Alexandria. A specially structured interview schedule and an observational check-list were developed, validated and used to collect the necessary data from a convenient sample of 100 parturient women in the 2nd stage of labor. Inclusion criteria were; multiparae women, age from 20-35 years, normal pregnancy, normal labor without interference with oxytocics or episiotomy. The study subjects were then divided into two equal groups, 50 each; group I who assumed the semi-sitting position and group II who assumed the conventional dorsal recumbent one. The results revealed that group II had lower blood pressure and fetal heart rate [52% and 36%] respectively than group 1[2% and 2%] respectively. Uterine contractions had short interval, long duration and strong intensity [90%, 84% and 100%] respectively among group 1, compared to 42%, 28% and 50% respectively of group II. Spontaneous rupture of membranes was also observed among 72% of group 1, compared to only 26% of group II. Group I was more likely to have shorter duration of the 2nd stage of labor [40%] than group II [0%]. Duration of the 2nd stage of labor was almost affected by maternal age, education, occupation and number of antenatal visits. So, the results of this study do not justily the continuation of the routine use of dorsal recumbent position during the 2nd stage of labor