HUMANIZATION OF LABOUR: RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR LOW RISK LABOUR

Abstract

Objective: To describe the available evidence on the practices carried out during low-risk labour.

Methods: A literature search was carried out in the next databases: PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Dialnet Plus, Google Academic and CUIDEN. The search was limited to the articles published during the last 5 years and was carried out until August 2018. The next Medical Subject Heading in Spanish and English were used: delivery, obstetric, parturition, humanism.

Results: The current recommendations on practices performed during low-risk labour are: normal  labour attended in hospital should be assisted by midwives, the accompaniment of women should be facilitated as well as the adoption of preferred positions during dilation and delivery, isotonic  drinks are preferable than water, vaginal examinations should be limited,  women should be offered alternatives to pain management, it is recommended the active management of the third stage, delayed clamping of the umbilical cord, early mother-infant contact and promotion of breastfeeding. In addition, shaving of the perineum, use of enema, peripheral venous canalization, amniorhexis,  oxytocin perfusion, Kristeller maneuver, routine episiotomy or continuous fetal monitoring during  labour should not be routinely performed.

Conclusion: In low-risk labour, it is advisable for women to be actively involved in the process, necessary information should be provided. The implementation of these evidence-based recommendations could improve the quality of care, contributing to the humanization of labour.