Nursing management of second stage labor.
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.
McKeon
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Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH 03102-1310, USA. vmckeon@anselm.edu
O'Reilly
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