Randomised trial comparing the upright and supine positions for the second stage of labour.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the maternal and neonatal effects of upright compared with recumbent positions during delivery, in terms of defined outcome variables. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. SETTING: St Monica's Nursing Home, a midwife based maternity unit in Cape Town, South Africa. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred and seventeen women of low obstetrical risk assigned to deliver at the nursing home. RESULTS: The trial showed that women who adopted the upright posture for delivery experienced less pain. perineal trauma and fewer episiotomies than those who delivered in the supine position. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that in women of low obstetrical risk, choice of posture during delivery may be encouraged.