Document Type
Poster
Associated Faculty
Dr. Valerie Herbert
Sponsoring Academic Department
School of Nursing
Publication Title
Lithotomy Position versus Flexible Sacrum Position: Decreasing Incidence of Perineal Trauma
Publication Date
2024
Abstract/ Summary
Currently, in labor and delivery departments there is a lack of education and utilization of flexible sacrum positioning. Traditionally, women are instructed to lay on the bed with hips and knees flexed, raised, and separated, known as lithotomy position. The literature review demonstrates that delivering in lithotomy position increases the incidence of perineal trauma compared to flexible sacrum positioning; any position allowing for the opening of the pelvic outlet such as kneeling, sitting, or standing. This review considered flexible sacrum positioning compared to lithotomy in nulliparous women on perineal trauma. A literature search was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, and MedLine with the following as inclusion criteria: birthing positions, perineal trauma, lithotomy position, and flexible sacrum positioning. Exclusion criteria of this review include multiparous women, or operative deliveries such as vacuums, forceps, or an episiotomy. 10 articles met the criteria. A surge in research demonstrates flexible sacrum positioning leads to less perineal trauma. The literature concluded that flexible sacrum positioning led to a decreased incidence of episiotomies and an increased prevalence of intact perineum during and following delivery. Additionally, multiple articles stated a lack of education surrounding flexible sacrum positioning among providers leading to a decreased utilization of the practice ultimately attributing to the increased incidence of perineal trauma during birth. A common underlying theme between all articles was that education should be provided to both the birthing mothers and the healthcare team to reinforce this evidence.
Repository Citation
Cox, Amanda M.; Morse, Madisyn; and Lambert, Miranda, "Lithotomy Position versus Flexible Sacrum Position: Decreasing Incidence of Perineal Trauma" (2024). Non-Thesis Student Work. 69.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/student_work/69
Version
post-print (i.e. final draft post-refereeing with all author corrections and edits)