PERINATAL TRIALS REPORT

PT0391

Maternal posturing and fetal positioning study.

Plain Language Summary:      This study is a randomised, controlled trial designed to determine whether hands and knees exercise will reduce the incidence of persistent birth occiput posterior in the most common variety e.g. malposition with vertical presentation. It occurs in about 30% of pregnancies during early stage labour. Persistent OP position was found in up to 6% of all deliveries. The sample for this study will be drawn from the population of pregnant women going to the midwife's clinic. The study population will be assigned to the hands and knees group or control group by randomisation. The incidence of OP at birth, duration of labour, mode of delivery, reason for intervention, and apgar score will be assessed.

Trial status:                         Closed to accrual

Date trial closed to accrual:   31/8/2001

Trial Objective:                   

The aim of this study is to evaluate a procedure (hands and knees posturing with slow pevlic rocking exercise) for the prevention of occiput posterior birth positioning.

Type of administration:        Multi-centre National

Principal Investigator/s:        Prof Marie Chamberlain

Contact Person/s:               Azar Kariminia, Midwifery Research Unit, Hornsby Hospital: Ph: +612 9477 9212.

© IMPACT/PSANZ 2001