The effect of companion's presence on parturients bedside on cesarean section rate and labor length

Abstract

Introduction: Cesarean section (C/S) is one of the most common and major surgeries performed today. Although, WHO stated 5-15% safety in C/S for the health of mother and baby, the current cesarean rate in Iran is more than 35%. Compared to vaginal delivery, increase in C/S rate causes more adverse effects as well as greater risk of maternal mortality and morbidity, including infection, hemorrhage and so on. A great effort has been made to reduce C/S rate in the world. Presence of a companion with laboring womon plays an important role in labor process and mother-­baby outcome by decreasing the anxiety and fear in mother and empowering her. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of support given by a companion during labor on cesarean section rate and labor length.

Methods: The present research was an experimental study; 120 primigravida through simple random sampling method were selected and were divided into two groups (experience and control groups). Experience group had a companion (mother, sister or a female friend) present within the first stage of labor providing them with continuous physical, informational and emotional support. Control group received routine care. Data were collected by checklists and patients' documents. The results were statistically analyzed by SPSS software.

Results: The findings showed that 10% in experience group and 23% in control group needed cesarean section. The most common indications for cesarean section in the two groups were fetal distress and failure to progress in labor and there was a significant difference between the two groups in indications of cesarean section. The first stage lasted 253 minutes in experience group and 326 minutes in control group. Second stage lasted 35 minutes in experience group and 43 minutes in control group.

Conclusion: The results showed that the cesarean section rate can be reduced by the presence of support on bedside. Also, the findings showed that the duration of first stage of labor significantly decreased in experience group compared to control group. There was no significant difference in the second stage between the two groups. Then, providing a condition in hospitals in which all parturients have a companion during labor is highly recommended.

Keywords: Companion, parturient, labor length, cesarean section.