Effect of Prolonged Upright Position during First Stage of Labour on Labour Outcome in Low Risk Term Nulliparous Women

Background: For positive childbirth experience, WHO recommends that women with low risk pregnancy should be encouraged to be ambulatory and assume upright position during labour. The aim of present study was to compare the effect of prolonged upright position during active first stage of labour with ambulation as per choice of the women, on the labour outcome. Methods: This was an interventional study conducted on 60 low risk nulliparous women. 30 women were assigned to upright position and motivated to remain in sitting, standing or walking position for atleast 60% of the duration of active first stage of labour and women in the control group were allowed to assume the position of their choice. Duration of labour, need for augmentation and mode of delivery in both groups were compared. Conclusion: In low risk nulliparous women, upright position during active first stage of labour is associated with frequent and stronger contractions in first 3 hours of active labour but does not have any significant impact on duration of labour, need for augmentation and mode of delivery. Therefore, nulliparous women during active first stage of labour can be allowed to be in position of their choice rather than imposing prolonged upright position.