The birthing chair in the second stage of labour.

A prospective study of 56 primigravidas was performed to assess the advantages, disadvantages and acceptability of the upright posture during the second stage of labour. Twenty-seven patients laboured in the second stage in a birthing chair, in an upright position. Twenty-one patients laboured in bed in the recumbent position and acted as controls. No difference could be found in the length of second stage, ease or type of delivery between the 2 groups. No differences were detected in the condition of the neonates between the 2 groups. This birthing chair was found to be an acceptable mode of delivery to most of those patients using it.