Maternal postural selections during active phase of first stage labor

The first stage labor was studied in a primary care facility. Thirty women were assigned to either experimental or comparison groups biased coin randomization. The experimental group was give explicit verbal permission to assume any position of conform and were shown illustration of possible beneficial position. The experimental group made significantly greater use or vertical spine and kneeling positions. The comparison group made significantly great use of the low lateral recumbent position. These data indicate that women are susceptible of permission and information given them during the active phase of labor. Differences between nurse-midwife and physician client groups and the postural patterns during the active phase were also examined.