Squatting position for delivery.

The study was conducted on 200 normal pregnant women who were randomly classified into 2 groups of 100 cases each. The control group comprised mothers in supine position throughout labour and delivery (46 primigravidae and 54 multigravidae). The squatting group consisted of cases who were kept ambulatory during the 1st stage and were asked to squat on ordinary delivery cots during the 2nd stage of labour. Third stage of labour was conducted in supine position. The squatting group comprised 42 primigravidae and 58 multigravidae. There was a mean difference (shortening) of 3 hours in primigravidae and 2 hours in multigravidae in the duration of 1st stage of labour between the squatting and control groups. In the duration of 2nd stage of labour the mean differences in primigravidae and multigravidae of the squatting and control groups were 20 and 13.5 minutes respectively. In the squatting group there were 79 normal vaginal delivery, 16 forceps delivery and 5 caesarean sections whereas in the control group there were 80, 18 and 2 cases respectively. Although foetal complications were comparable in both the groups, the incidence of maternal injuries was observed in 14 cases in control group and 38 cases in squatting group. It was concluded that without proper birthing chairs which can give good perineal support, the usual supine position is preferable.

Reproductive performance following Shirodkar's abdominal sling operation.

Over a period of 4 years from January 1986 to December 1989, 79 cases in whom Shirodkar's abdominal sling operation carried out, were studied. All the patients were admitted either in active labour or as cases of abortions or for the treatment of infertility. The incidence of full term normal vaginal delivery in this study was 69.56% and the incidence of caesarean section was only 2.9%. There was one case of posterior wall rupture following previous Shirodkar's sling operation. The recurrence rate of prolapse was only 8.69%.