A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES IN SUPINE VERSUS UPRIGHT BIRTHING POSITIONS AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN MAHARASHTRA

Background: The position a woman assumes during labor and delivery can significantly impact maternal and perinatal outcomes. This study aims to compare the effects of different birthing positions on these outcomes in low-risk multiparous mothers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Maharashtra. A total of 470 low-risk multiparous mothers who delivered vaginally were included. Participants were divided into two groups based on their birthing positions: 240 mothers in the supine position group and 230 mothers in the upright position group. Data was collected through personal interviews, focused group discussions, and document analysis. Primary outcomes measured included duration of labor, mode of delivery, maternal comfort and satisfaction, and neonatal outcomes.

Results: Upright positions, such as sitting, kneeling, squatting, and standing, were associated with shorter durations of labor, reduced rates of episiotomies, perineal tears, and postpartum hemorrhage, as well as lower incidences of instrumental deliveries and birth trauma. The need for NICU admission and infective morbidity were also lower in upright positions. Additionally, upright positions were associated with higher maternal satisfaction and comfort.

Conclusion: Upright birthing positions offer significant benefits in terms of shorter labor duration, reduced risk of caesarean birth, and decreased need for epidural analgesia, without increasing the risk of interventions or adverse outcomes for mothers and babies. Women in low-risk labor should be encouraged to assume positions that maximize their comfort and physiological advantage during labor and delivery. Further high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings and to better understand the optimal birthing positions for different populations of women.