Comparative study of the modified-active and the active childbirth attendance method

Abstract

A research project was initiated to compare the modified-active versus active attention method during the third labor phase in childbirth. In the modified-active attention method indirect indicators are used to verify the placental descent, in contrast to the vaginal examination in the active attention approach, a requirement prescribed by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health. A random sample of 300 women in labor was subjected to each attention approach. The research was conducted at the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital of Cuenca, Ecuador, and the following variables were monitored during the third labor phase to assess the performance of both attention methods: duration of the third stage of labor, blood loss, the frequency of total and partial placental retention, and the volume of blood loss during the first hour posterior the third stage of labor. Results revealed that the average length of the modified-active third stage of labor was 4,35 ± 1,36 and the active third stage of labor 4,22 ± 1,60 minutes with a p value of 0,297, indicating that the duration of the third stage of the two types of attention methods are similar. The average blood loss of the modified-active third stage of labor was 193,01 ± 66,97 versus 182,97 ± 54,62 cc for the active attention approach with a p value of 0,045. The comparative research revealed that the two forms of attention during the third stage of labor perform equally well, with a slight preference for the active form of attention.