Alka Dani 1 , V. R. Badhwar 2 , Ganpat Sawant 3 , S. Chowdhury Salian 4
Before 17th Century, the upright position was common for birthing. There is a need to revisit the age old practice of labour as for the patients in squatting position: *Pelvic outlet widens 30% more. *Straightens the birth canal. *Makes use of gravity. *Expected to quicken the second stage of labour. METHOD This observational study has been conducted at the Department of Obs & Gynae, Pad Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College & Hospital and Research Centre, Navi Mumbai. A total of 200 patients, 100 patients for case study group (squatting position)) and another 100 patients for control group (Dorsal Recumbent position) depending on the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly selected. Patients of both the groups were comparable i.e. age, parity, socio-economic status and other parameters. Antenatal registered patients with full term without high-risk pregnancy were selected. RESULTS The age of patients in both groups varied between 18-37 years. There were 30% primi-gravida and 70% multigravida in both groups. It is found that duration of 2nd stage was decreased by an average of 9 minutes in both primi's and multi's, which is significant. The vaginal instrumental delivery and LSCS rates are non-significant. The maternal and fetal morbidity due to episiotomy given or perineal tear and resuscitation of new born respectively are non-significant statistically. Need for oxytocin and its dosage required was significantly less, while maternal satisfaction on VAS is significantly high in study group CONCLUSIONS Squatting position for 2nd stage of labour is much convenient for mothers' in terms of duration of 2nd stage, need and oxytocin quantity required for the subjects, extension of episiotomy and maternal satisfaction on VAS. No significant variation is found in incidences of maternal and fetal complications, need for instrumental delivery and LSCS.
