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  • Original Article
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Use of Delayed Pushing with Epidural Anesthesia

Findings from a Randomized, Controlled Trial

Journal of Perinatology volume 19, pages 26–30 (1999)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare outcomes between women receiving epidural anesthesia assigned to a group following either a 1-hour “delayed” pushing protocol or directed to initiate pushing at full cervical dilation.

STUDY DESIGN:

Using a randomized, controlled design, multivariate analyses were used to evaluate second stage labor duration and Apgar scores. An estimated odds ratio equation evaluated fetal descent progress.

RESULTS:

A 13.68-minute difference occurred in second stage labor length (p = 0.225). No differences were found in Apgar scores (p > 0.09). An estimated odds ratio, that progress in terms of one fetal station unit would occur for control group subjects as compared with subjects with similar progress in the experimental group, was 1.51 (95% confidence interval: 1.16, 1.95).

CONCLUSION:

Second stage labor was not significantly lengthened, and a similar rate of fetal descent occurred in the absence of directed pushing. Findings support further research on the potential advantages of minimizing the duration of pushing in labor.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (L. J. M., R. H., A. D.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA

    Linda J Mayberry RN PhD, Rachel Hammer RNC MSN & Anindya De PhD

  2. John Muir Hospital (C. K.), Walnut Creek, CA

    Carol Kelly RN MS

  3. Methodist Medical Center (B. T.-D.), Dallas, TX

    Barbara True-Driver RN MS

Authors
  1. Linda J Mayberry RN PhD
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  2. Rachel Hammer RNC MSN
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  3. Carol Kelly RN MS
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  4. Barbara True-Driver RN MS
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  5. Anindya De PhD
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Additional information

This project was funded by a Dean’s Initiative Grant from Nell HodgsonWoodruff School of Nursing, Emory University.

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Mayberry, L., Hammer, R., Kelly, C. et al. Use of Delayed Pushing with Epidural Anesthesia. J Perinatol 19, 26–30 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7200076

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7200076

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