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Biofeedback for Second Stage of Labor

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Labor Long
Labour;Obstructed
Interventions
Other: Visual biofeedback
Registration Number
NCT04210908
Lead Sponsor
Assuta Ashdod Hospital
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine whether transperineal ultrasound as visual biofeedback can be used during labor as an effective tool for shortening the second stage of labor and reducing the need for instrumental delivery, in a prospective randomized design.

Detailed Description

Biofeedback provides patients with better control of their body and their physiological reactions respective of the examined process, such as stress/anxiety, sports activity, labor, etc.

Women under epidural anesthesia, may frequently feel lack of control over the birthing process and difficulty in bearing down effectively, which is a very significant part of the second stage of labor.

Transperineal ultrasound during labor is a standard procedure in many medical centers in the world, mainly used to assist obstetricians in evaluating the progress of labor, fetal head position and assessing the chances of successful operative delivery. One of the most common tools used in transperineal ultrasound in measurement of the angle of progression, which has been suggested as a subjective method for assessing fetal station and for predicting successful vaginal delivery. A preliminary non-randomized study raised the possibility that the use of transperineal ultrasound during labor as a biofeedback tool may shorten the second stage of labor.

The purpose of this study is to examine whether this tool can be used during labor as an effective tool for shortening the second stage of labor and reducing the need for instrumental delivery, in a prospective randomized design.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
100
Inclusion Criteria
  1. First labor
  2. Full dilation
  3. Head position between SP-1 and SP+2.
  4. Epidural anesthesia
  5. No contraindication for vaginal delivery
  6. Parturient informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  1. Participation in parallel studies.
  2. Category III fetal monitoring requiring immediate delivery.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
BiofeedbackVisual biofeedbackThe patient will be instructed to bear down during 4 consecutive contractions while monitoring head descent using transperineal ultrasound. In the study group, patients will observe the descent of the head during contraction on the ultrasound display screen.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Duration of the second stage of laborUp to 6 hours

Minutes from first documentation of full dilatation to delivery.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Mode of deliveryUp to 6 hours

Mode of delivery (categorical): spontaneous vaginal, operative vaginal or cesarean

Neonatal 1 minute Apgar scoreUp to 6 hours

Apgar score at 1 minute after delivery (scale of 0-10)

Cord pHUp to 6 hours

Umbilical cord blood pH

Neonatal 5 minute Apgar scoreUp to 6 hours

Apgar score at 5 minute after delivery (scale of 0-10)

Maternal perineal tearsUp to 6 hours

Maternal perineal tear grade (categorical): None and grades 1-4

Postpartum hemorrhageUp to 24 hours

Rate of early postpartum hemorrhage (during first 24 hours)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Assuta Ashdod Hospital

🇮🇱

Ashdod, Israel

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