The effects of different maternal positions on non-stress test: an experimental study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of different maternal positions on non-stress test results and the preferences of mothers for involving positions.


BACKGROUND
The non-stress test (NST) has become a common tool in diagnosing fetal risks. The major problem encountered in the application of the non-stress test has been obtaining erroneous non-reactive non-stress test results when, indeed, the fetus is healthy and oxygenation is sufficient.


METHODS
Experiment design with randomly assigned four positions: supine, left lateral, semi-fowler and sitting up. The sample included 408 women in a university hospital in Turkey. Women were randomly assigned to four groups in equal numbers of 102. Data collection and analysis. Data were collected through two instruments: Demographic and Pregnancy History Form and NST tracing. Main outcome measures were percentage of reactive NST and number of minutes for reactivity in each position.


RESULTS
There were significant (P < 0.05) differences among four groups. Supine position showed the least fetal reactivity. In terms of time to reactivity, there were no statistically significant differences. Qualitative data showed that pregnant women were least comfortable in supine position reporting back pain and shortening of breath.


CONCLUSIONS
Supine position yields the lowest non-reactivity in tandem with physical discomfort such as back pain and difficulty in breathing.


CONCLUSIONS
Sitting up, semi-fowler and left lateral positions are recommended to be used during the non-stress test. In addition, the preferences of the pregnant women should be determined before the test to minimize discomfort which, when it occurs, may signal physiological alterations experienced during the test.
Aluş
Merlinda
M
Dokuz Eylulu University, School of Nursing, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey. merlinda_alus@yahoo.com
Okumuş
Hülya
H
Mete
Samiye
S
Güçlü
Serkan
S
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D005324:Fetal Movement; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D017584:Reproductive History; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey