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. 2022 Jan 28:6:4.
doi: 10.18332/ejm/144057. eCollection 2022.

Pregnant women's views on the acceptability, enablers, and barriers of participation in a randomized controlled trial of maternal posture for fetal malposition in labor

Jennifer Barrowclough  1 , Bridget Kool  2 , Caroline A Crowther  1
Affiliations

Pregnant women's views on the acceptability, enablers, and barriers of participation in a randomized controlled trial of maternal posture for fetal malposition in labor

Jennifer Barrowclough et al. Eur J Midwifery. .

Abstract

Introduction: Fetal malposition in labor results in adverse maternal and infant health. Whilst evidence for effective interventions is inconclusive, based on the hypothesis that gravity corrects malposition, the feasibility and design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to improve maternal and infant health outcomes should be considered. The aim was to assess pregnant women's views on the acceptability, enablers, and barriers of participation in an RCT of maternal posture for fetal malposition in labor.

Methods: A web-based anonymous survey of pregnant women was conducted in Auckland during 2020. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively using a chi-squared test to assess differences in proportions. Maternal characteristics influence on women's responses was assessed using cross-tabulation. A thematic content analysis of free text responses was undertaken.

Results: Most of the 206 respondents were aged 26-35 years (75%), 29-38 weeks pregnant (71%), of European (40%) or Asian (36%) ethnicity, and similarly nulliparous or multiparous. Most women (76%) knew of fetal malposition in labor; however, only 28% were aware of maternal posture to correct this. Most women (86%) were interested in labor research and although 37% would participate in an RCT, almost half (47%) were unsure and a 15% would not participate. Concerns mostly related to comfort (22%). Nearly half of women (49%) would need to consult their partner regarding participation in an RCT.

Conclusions: Enablers for participation in a posture trial in labor include measures to enhance maternal comfort, increasing awareness of malposition and the role of posture, and involving partners in pre-trial counselling and recruitment.

Keywords: labor presentation; posture; pregnant women; randomized controlled trial; survey.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none was reported.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Respondents’ source of knowledge of fetal malposition in Auckland, New Zealand during 2020 (n=201)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Respondents' views on the acceptability of an RCT of maternal posture for fetal malposition in labour, in Auckland, New Zealand during 2020 (n=179)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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