title: Nursing management of second stage labor.
abstract: Despite considerable research into nursing management of second stage labor, traditional approaches continue to predominate. Women are still encouraged to deliver in a recumbent position using sustained, closed-glottis pushing. Current research suggests that utilizing an upright position with pushing that is open glottis and complementary with the involuntary bearing-down reflex produces good maternal/fetal outcomes. Issues such as position, second stage phases, and bearing-down techniques are discussed in view of recent research findings. Gaps in knowledge are identified and practice implications are clearly defined. Now is the time to apply research-based knowledge to nursing management of second stage labor.
authors.affiliation: Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH 03102-1310, USA. vmckeon@anselm.edu
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: McKeon
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Reilly