ABSTRACT
Fundal pressure is a controversial obstetric technique used by some practitioners in second-stage labor. In this preliminary study, 34 deliveries in which fundal pressure was used to expedite birth were matched with 34 deliveries that occurred spontaneously. Several parameters were compared between the two groups. In the group of women who were delivered with use of fundal pressure, second-stage labor was longer and a higher incidence of third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations was observed compared with those women who delivered spontaneously. This article discusses the possible reasons for these findings, the reasons fundal pressure was used, and the controversial issues that surround this technique.
Subject(s)
Delivery, Obstetric/methods , Labor Stage, Second , Midwifery/methods , Adult , Clinical Nursing Research , Female , Humans , Nurse Midwives , Perineum/injuries , Pilot Projects , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome , Pressure , Retrospective Studies , Time FactorsSubject(s)
Labor Stage, Second , Obstetric Nursing/methods , Patient Participation , Female , Humans , Nursing Records , Patient Education as Topic , Pregnancy , Prenatal CareABSTRACT
Weakened circumvaginal muscles (CVM) may occur after childbirth and may be associated with obstetric factors such as perineal outcome, episiotomy, length of second stage labor, baby weight, and pushing technique. Pressures developed by the CVM during pregnancy and postpartum were obtained to test the hypothesis that significantly lower pressures would be developed by the CVM in the early postpartum than during pregnancy. The sample consisted of 29 pregnant women who planned to deliver at a birth center. A follow-up study was performed approximately one year after delivery to determine if improvement of the CVM occurred over time. The results supported the hypothesis and indicated that restitution of the CVM occurred after the early postpartum period.
