Position in the second stage of labour for women without epidural anaesthesia

Abstract

Background: For centuries, there has been controversy around whether being upright (sitting, birthing stools, chairs, squatting, kneeling) or lying down (lateral (Sim's) position, semi-recumbent, lithotomy position, Trendelenburg's position) have advantages for women giving birth to their babies. This is an update of a review previously published in 2012, 2004 and 1999. Objectives: To determine the possible benefits and risks of the use of different birth positions during the second stage of labour without epidural anaesthesia, on maternal, fetal, neonatal and caregiver outcomes. Search methods: We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (30 November 2016) and reference ..