Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Policies should be written to encourage the use of upright positions such as: squatting, standing, kneeling, or use of a birth stool it will make these practices more common. If there are policies developed it would require nurses and providers to be trained in how to assist the mother through the labor process and deliver the baby in an upright position. Currently there is very little, if any, training for physicians and nurses on upright birthing positions and how to deliver care safely and effectively through this method. If nursing schools ensured their students are trained in upright birthing positions future labor and delivery nurses will be equipped to uphold the ethical and evidence-based standards of their profession. Another hinderance to the use of upright positions is that it does not allow for continuous fetal monitoring. It has been shown that continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate in a low risk pregnancy is not evidence-based practice and it should be replaced with intermittent auscultation with a hand-held doppler device. The studies examined showed that there were improved outcomes regarding the use of upright positions. These outcomes were, lower episiotomy rates, lower rate of instrumental deliveries, lower instances of abnormal fetal heart rates, reduction of pain. There were also negative outcomes with this positioning such as, increases in 2nd degree perineal tears, and increased post-partum bleeding. However, these negative outcomes were not significant enough to deter the use of these positions and the benefits ultimately outweighed the risks.
Spring Scholars Week 2020 Event
Evidence Based Best Practices in Clinical Healthcare (Posters)
Upright Positioning in Second Stage of Labor
Policies should be written to encourage the use of upright positions such as: squatting, standing, kneeling, or use of a birth stool it will make these practices more common. If there are policies developed it would require nurses and providers to be trained in how to assist the mother through the labor process and deliver the baby in an upright position. Currently there is very little, if any, training for physicians and nurses on upright birthing positions and how to deliver care safely and effectively through this method. If nursing schools ensured their students are trained in upright birthing positions future labor and delivery nurses will be equipped to uphold the ethical and evidence-based standards of their profession. Another hinderance to the use of upright positions is that it does not allow for continuous fetal monitoring. It has been shown that continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate in a low risk pregnancy is not evidence-based practice and it should be replaced with intermittent auscultation with a hand-held doppler device. The studies examined showed that there were improved outcomes regarding the use of upright positions. These outcomes were, lower episiotomy rates, lower rate of instrumental deliveries, lower instances of abnormal fetal heart rates, reduction of pain. There were also negative outcomes with this positioning such as, increases in 2nd degree perineal tears, and increased post-partum bleeding. However, these negative outcomes were not significant enough to deter the use of these positions and the benefits ultimately outweighed the risks.