The goal of this clinical trial is to assess whether a combination of forward-leaning inversion and side-lying release procedures and Rebozo technique in a pre-specified sequence during the first stage of labor among women with a posterior fetus would favor anterior rotation. The main questions it aims to answer is: • What is the probability of persistent occiput posterior position of the fetal head three hours and thirty minutes after randomization, diagnosed by sonography? Researchers will compare the intervention group, which received a sequence of forward-leaning inversion (FLI), side-lying release procedures (SLR), and the Rebozo technique (lasting 90-105 minutes), to the control group, which received standard care (free maternal postures), to assess whether the specific combination of interventions in the experimental group reduces the probability of the fetal head remaining in the occiput posterior position. Participants in the intervention group will undergo a combination of forward-leaning inversion, side-lying release procedures, and the Rebozo technique, administered in a pre-determined sequence. In contrast, participants in the control group will receive standard care (free maternal postures).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
578
Combination of FLI and side-lying release SLR and Rebozo technique in a pre-specified order: 1\) FLI for 30 seconds repeated for 3 subconsequent contractions; 2) SLR for 30 seconds repeated for 3 consequent contractions; 3) Rest with free maternal postures for 15 minutes; 4) 15 minutes of Rebozo on maternal pelvis (women on hands and knees); 5) Rest with free maternal postures for 15 minutes; 6) 15 minutes of Rebozo on the side of the fetal spine (supine women). Duration of the intervention ranges between 90 and 105 minutes. The intervention will start within thirty minutes after randomization; it can be interrupted at any time if needed. It will be considered performed when the proposed sequence is completed. After completion of the sequence, women will be allowed to move freely and adopt different postures. No FLI or SLR procedures or the Rebozo technique will be further allowed until sonographic assessment of the fetal head is performed at 3 hour and thirty after randomization
Standard of care, including upright, semi-recumbent, lateral recumbent, and hands-and-knees position. They will not receive forward-leaning inversion (FLI) and side-lying release (SLR) and Rebozo technique. the control group will continue to adopt maternal postures with no possibility of performing the FLI or SLR procedures or the Rebozo technique until sonographic assessment of fetal head position is completed at 3 hours and thirty after randomization.
IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori
Monza, Italy
Probability of occiput posterior position of the fetal head three hours and thirty minutes after randomization
This outcome will be measured by suprapubic transabdominal sonography by a trained clinician blinded to the randomization group. The fetal head position will be classified into one of three categories: occiput anterior (right and left), occiput transverse (right and left), and occiput posterior (right and left). If fetal head position cannot be clearly defined, sonography will be repeated by another trained, senior clinician. For women who will give birth before the end of the three hours and a half after randomization, fetal head position at birth will be considered as the fetal head position for this outcome.
Time frame: Three hours and thirty minutes after randomization. For women who will give birth before the end of the three hours and a half after randomization, fetal head position at birth will be considered as the fetal head position for this outcome
Probability of occiput posterior position confirmed by ultrasound examination at full cervical dilation
This outcome will be measured, before the beginning of active maternal pushing efforts, by suprapubic transabdominal sonography by a trained clinician blinded to the randomization group. The fetal head position will be classified into one of three categories: occiput anterior (right and left), occiput transverse (right and left), and occiput posterior (right and left). If fetal head position cannot be clearly defined, sonography will be repeated by another trained, senior clinician. For women who will give birth before sonography at full dilation can be performed, information regarding fetal head position at this timing will be considered as "missing".
Time frame: full cervical dilation (before the beginning of active maternal pushing efforts); for women who will give birth before sonography at full dilation can be performed, information regarding fetal head position at this timing will be considered as "missing".
Probability of occiput posterior position at delivery
This outcome will be measured by clinical diagnosis at birth. In women undergoing operative delivery, the fetal head position diagnosed by sonography right before delivery will be considered as the position at birth
Time frame: At birth. In women undergoing operative delivery, the fetal head position diagnosed by sonography right before delivery will be considered as the position at birth
Duration of labor
This outcome will be measured calculating the time (minutes) between the diagnosis of active first stage of labor and birth.
Time frame: From the diagnosis of active first stage of labor up birth.
Mode of delivery
This outcome could be measured calculating the probability of experiencing a spontaneous vaginal birth, a vacuum assisted vaginal birth or a caesarean section
Time frame: At birth
Perineal lacerations
This outcome will be measured by calculating within women who had spontaneous vaginal birth or vacuum assisted vaginal birth, the probability of having third degree perineal tear, of having fourth degree of perineal tear, of having episiotomy.
Time frame: At birth
Primary postpartum hemorrhage
This outcome will be measured by calculating the probability of blood loss ≥1000 mL
Time frame: At birth
Woman's pain intensity and ability to cope with pain
This outcome will be measured using the Pain Intensity Scale, ranging from 0 to 10 (0 equal to 'no pain' and 10 equal to 'worst pain imaginable), and the Pain Coping Scale, ranging from 10 to 0 (10 equal to 'no need to cope - very easy' and 0 'totally unable to cope').
Time frame: Within 30 minutes after randomization and at 3 hours and thirty minutes after randomization
Maternal birth satisfaction level
This outcome will be measured using the italian version of "Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised" (BSS-R), ranging from 0 to 40 (higher scores is associated to higher maternal satisfaction at birth).
Time frame: Assessed at least 24 hours after delivery up hospital discharge
Rate of newborn admission to neonatal intensive care unit
This outcome will be measured calculating the probability of neonatal intensive care unit admission until hospital discharge
Time frame: Before hospital discharge, up to 5 days postpartum
Rate of pelvic floor and sexual dysfunction
This outcome will be measured through: Pelvic Floor Disability Index (PFDI-20) for pelvic floor dysfunction assessment. It ranges from 0 to 300 and higher scores indicate greater pelvic floor dysfunction and distress.
Time frame: At 6-9 months postpartum
Rate of pelvic floor and sexual dysfunction
This outcome will be measured through: Validated Italian-language questionnaires: Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12, short form) for sexual function assessment. It ranges from 0 to 48 and higher scores indicate better sexual function.
Time frame: At 6-9 months postpartum
Rate of pelvic floor and sexual dysfunction
This outcome will be measured through: \- Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) score to evaluate prolapse severity. It ranges from 0 stage to IV stage and higher stages indicate more severe pelvic organ prolapse.
Time frame: At 6-9 months postpartum
Rate of pelvic floor and sexual dysfunction
This outcome will be measured through: \- Modified Oxford Grading System. It ranges from 0 to 5 and higher scores indicate better muscle strength.
Time frame: At 6-9 months postpartum
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