A comparative study of vertical and horizontal deliveries in the presence and with the assistance of the woman's partner.

The authors are the first in Hungary to have applied the method of vertical delivery with the husband's or partner's presence in the delivery room. This is part of the authors' family-centered delivery program at the Maternity Ward of Borsod-Abauj-Zemplén County Hospital, Miskolc. A comparison of 321 births was carried out, which included 158 vertical deliveries and 163 horizontal deliveries. During both vertical and horizontal deliveries, the husband or partner was present in the delivery room. The comparison included the mother's biometrics and social characteristics, as well as the circumstances of the delivery and the clinical parameters of the newborns. Certain stages of delivery in the vertical position took a shorter period of time compared to horizontal delivery, but the differences were not significant. Episiotomies were carried out in fewer cases of vertical deliveries, and significant injuries due to the lack of an episiotomy in the case of vertical deliveries were not detected. The parameters characterizing the clinical state of the newborns were the same in both groups. The answers given to questionnaires supported the favorable psychological effects of a vertical delivery. The authors hope that vertical delivery, as a possible alternative, will find its place in obstetric practice in Hungary.