We are pleased to inform you of the publication of the RCM Survey of Positions used in Labour and Birth. This was undertaken to
- gain a national picture of the positions being used in labour and birth, highlight areas for improvement and promote normal birth best practice.
- gather data to provide individual services with specific feedback on their performance in encouraging women to labour 'off the bed'.
This survey took place in 24 units in England, who had a consultant midwife with a lead on normal birth. A total of 929 women were reported on.
Key findings of the survey are
- The majority of positions (63%) used in labour were in the upright category which included supported standing (20%), all fours (14%), and sitting on a ball (13%)
- Despite the use of many upright positions in labour, nearly half of the women (49%) appear to have got onto the bed for the birth
- Interventions such as instrumental births and caesarean sections were more likely to be associated with women utilising semi-recumbent positions during labour
- 3% of women in this survey who had a normal birth were described as being in the lithotomy position for the birth
In these units, where there is a consultant midwife leading on normal birth, midwives appear to be moving to supporting women in using upright positions in labour. However, some practices during birth may need to be questioned.
It is likely that the effect of undertaking the survey encouraged the use of different positions. This could be used as a 'change agent' in other units.
