NURSING MANAGEMENT OF 2ND-STAGE LABOR

(1) Despite considerable research into nursing management of second st age labor, traditional approaches continue to predominate. Women are s till encouraged to deliver in a recumbent position using sustained, cl osed-glottis pushing. Current research suggests that utilizing an upri ght position with pushing that is open glottis and complementary with the involuntary bearing-down reflex produces good maternal/fetal outco mes. Issues such as position, second stage phases, and bearing-down te chniques are discussed in view of recent research findings. Gaps in kn owledge are identified and practice implications are clearly defined. Now is the time to apply research-based knowledge to nursing managemen t of second stage labor.