Effect of two different positions on parturients' perception of labor pains intensity

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. To determine the effect of two different positions on parturients' perception of labor pains intensity. 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 to measure the intensity of labor pains as perceived by participants in each position. 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. Sidelying position significantly reduces the intensity of labor pains during the active phase of labor

Knowledge and practices of Saudi women regarding family planning methods

The aim of this study was to identify knowledge and practices of Saudi women regarding family planning methods. An exploratory cross-sectional descriptive study implemented at the Maternity and Gynecologic clinics affiliated to King Fahd University Hospital in Alkhobar, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A convenient sample of 174 women who attended the previously mentioned setting during the period August first to November thirty 2006 constituted the study sample. A specially designed interview questionnaire was developed and validated by the researcher was used to collect the necessary data. The findings of the study revealed that, majority of the study sample [90.8%] know the oral contraception and 39.2% of them did not know how to use, 83.9% know the intrauterine devices while only 16.1 % know the coitus interrupts, 65.8% and 76.0% respectively did not know the mode of action of the intrauterine devices and the oral contraception, 36.8% know safe period compared to 121.1% know vaginal pessaries. 55.2% of the study sample their source of knowledge were their friends. The findings also revealed that, the majority of the study sample [79.9%] were more likely to use modern contraception, more than three quarters [79.1%] of the study sample were more likely to discontinue the contraception and about two thirds [62.7%] refer discontinuation to appearance of side effects. Regarding the methods most commonly used it was observed that, more than two thirds [70.7%] were more likely to use oral contraception, more than one quarter [27.0%] were more likely to use intrauterine devices, condom was used by only 12.1% and coitus interrupts used by only 5.7% of the study sample, the most common side effects reported by the study sample was menstrual disturbance [23.0%], hypertension [14.3%] and 10.8% reported irritability and nervousness as a side effects. The main recommendations were, Official family planning services must be available to secure healthy practices of family planning. In Saudi Arabia family planning should be viewed as a benefits for the mothers and child health, needs for family planning programs grunted by purposes for maternal and child health. General family planning education of the public, with special emphasis on the danger of too short too many pregnancies on the mothers and children

Effect of gestational diabetes mellitus health care guidelines on pregnancy outcomes

Gestational Diabetse Mellius [GDM] is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It one of the most prevalent complications of pregnancy it is usually develops during the second half pregnancy when the placental hormones or other factors interfere with body's ability to its insulin. A woman at increased risk of gestational diabetes includes; those who are over age; are obese; have a family history of diabetes; multipara, had a large [over 4k] baby of still born baby or a child with birth defects. GDM causes adverse consequences to the mother and to the fetus and increased risk from 17% to 63% for subsequent, overt type II diabetes. The purpose of this study was to identify the Effect of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Health Care Guidelines on pregnancy outcomes. A total of 30 pregnant women newly diagnosed as having GDM were recruited for this study. The study was conducted at the outpatient department of king Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar City, Eastern Provinces, kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A Quasi-experimental research design was utilized in this study. There tools were used collect data: [1] questionnaire sheet, [2] performance sheet, [3] follow up sheet. Results of the present study indicated that, was a statistical significant difference between total knowledge score of study the subjects before and after teaching sessions [Z=4.7821, p<0.0001], also there was statistical significant difference between total practices score related GDM before and after teaching sessions [Z=4.7821* [p<0.0001]. In relation to the maternal outcomes, it was observed that 43.3% of the study subjects had complications during their period of pregnancy, while 26.7% had complicated labor and delivery and the whole [100%] study subjects had a normal puerperal period. Regarding the outcome, it was found that 86.6% of all newborns were normal compared 6.7% of them were large in size [weight is more than 4kg.]And 6.7% delivered dead although they were alive to the last moment before delivery. The study concluded that, there was a positive effect of gestational diabetes mellitus care guidelines that are implemented in teaching sessions on the maternal and fetal outcomes. The study findings recommended the necessity of care by interdisciplinary diabetes heath care team prior to conception and during pregnancy to minimize maternal and fetal risks in women at risk for GDM.