RESUMO
Introduction: Cesarean section is one of the most common and major surgeries performed today. Although, WHO stated 5-15% safety in C/S for the mother and the baby health, the current cesarean rate in Iran is more than 35%. The C/S increase has adverse effects as well as greater risk of maternal mortality and morbidity, infection, hemorrhage and so on, Compared to vaginal delivery. A great effort has been made to reduce C/S rate in the world. Presence of a companion with laboring women, decreasing anxiety and fear in mothers and empowering them, plays an important role in labor process and mother- baby outcome. The objective was to evaluate the effects of support given by a companion during labor on cesarean rate and labor length
Methods: The present research is an experimental study.120 primigravida through simple random sempling and divided into two group. [experience and control group]. Experience group had a companion [mother, sister or a female friend] present wihtin the first stage of labor providing them with continuous physical, informational and emotional support. Control group received routine care. Data were collected by checklists and patients' documents. The results were statistically analyzed by SPSS soft ware
Results: The findings showed that 10% in experience group and 23% in control group needed cesarean. The most common indications for cesarean in two groups were fetal distress and failure to progress in labor and there was a significant difference between two groups in indications of cesarean. The first stage lasted for 253 minutes in experience group and 326 minutes in control group. Second stage lasted for 35 minutes in experience group and 43 minutes in control group
Discussion: The results showed that the cesarean rate can be reduced. Also, the findings showed that duration of first stage of labor significantly decreased in experience group compared to control group. There was not a significant difference in the second stage between two groups. Regarding the results, providing a condition in hospitals in which all parturients have a companion during labor is highly recommeded