Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives
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Comparative Study
Maternal and neonatal outcomes from a comparison of spontaneous and directed pushing in second stage.
To compare the effect of directed or spontaneous maternal pushing effort on duration of second stage labour, perineal injury and neonatal condition at birth. ⋯ Directed pushing is associated with an increased duration of second stage labour and risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Our study suggests that in the absence of regional analgesia women should be supported to follow their own expulsive urges.