The impact of valsalva's versus spontaneous pushing techniques during second stage of labor on postpartum maternal fatigue and neonatal outcome

Abstract

The objective of the following study is to find out the effects of two different pushing techniques in the second stage of labor on postpartum maternal fatigue and APGAR score of neonates in Saudi females, as very few such studies are available in these patients. Hence this study was carried out in this population to see the results and to do a comparison with other studies in literature as well as to find out how we can make labor awareness in our females. <b>Design:</b> Quasi experimental study. <b>Settings:</b> It was carried out in two hospitals in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia from 1 January, 2011 up to 31 December, 2011. One hundred Saudi women who fulfilled criterion were included in the study. They were randomized and the results seen. <b>Results:</b> There was a significant difference in postpartum fatigue within 60 min and 24 h in two groups as P = 0.001, P &lt; 0.001 respectively. There was a significant difference of APGAR score of newborn in both groups, i.e., P &lt; 0.001. <b>Conclusion:</b> It is concluded that physiological pushing technique has a better outcome with regard to postpartum maternal fatigue and neonatal APGAR score when compared to directed pushing during the second stage of labor.