[Evaluation of an insufflatabe abdominal girdle in shortening the second stage of labor].

A prospective study to evaluate the role of the insufflatable abdominal girdle (IAG) in shortening the second stage of labor was carried out in 160 consecutive full-term normal primiparas with vertex presentation. The parturients were randomized in order into 2 groups: the study group (using IAG) and the control group, each containing 80 cases. The average duration of second stage of labor was 40'23" for the cases of the study group and 59'59" for the controls. The difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.01). The average duration between the appearance of fetal head at the vulva to the complete birth of the baby was 11'56" and 20'56" respectively and again the difference was highly significant (P less than 0.01). Vacuum exteractor necessary for the termination of labor was performed in 15 cases of the controls and only 5 cases of the study group. There was no difference of incidence of abnormal fetal heart rate and appearance of meconium-stained aminotic fluid between two groups. The average Apgar score at 1 minute after birth was 9.78 for the study group and 9.88 for the control group (P greater than 0.005). Results of blood gas analysis of umbilical artery and vein immediately after birth, including pH, PO2, PC2 and BE, were all within normal ranges. Maternal blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and blood gas analysis were monitored during the second stage of labor and no significant difference was observed between two groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes