Directed pushing in labour

Best practices in second stage labor care: maternal bearing down and positioning - Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health , vol 52, no 3, May/June 2007, pp 238-245 Roberts J; Hanson L - (2006) Despite evidence of adverse fetal and maternal outcomes from the use of sustained Valsalva bearing down efforts, current second-stage care practices are still characterized by uniform directions to "push" forcefully upon complete dilatation of the cervix while the woman is in a supine position. Directed pushing might slightly shorten the duration of second stage labor, but can also contribute to deoxygenation of the fetus; cause damage to urinary, pelvic, and perineal structures; and challenge a woman's confidence in her body. Research on the second stage of labor care is reviewed, with a focus on recent literature on maternal bearing down efforts, the "laboring down" approach to care, second-stage duration, and maternal position. Clinicians can apply the scientific evidence regarding the detrimental effects of sustained Valsalva bearing down efforts and supine positioning by individualizing second stage labor care.

rcog.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=1913 - 78k - VBAC guidelines RCOG 2007.

Great to see, hopefully they will read it & apply it ;)