Effect of continuous support during labor on duration of labor and rate of cesarean delivery

Objective: To evaluate the effect of continuous support provided by midwives during labor on the duration of the different stages of labor and the rate of cesarean delivery. Method: A randomized trial of 100 eligible nulliparous women who had not received education classes on childbirth. In the intervention group (n = 50), continuous support during labor was provided; the control group (n = 50) did not receive continuous support. Results: The two groups did not differ by age, employment, educational level, gestational age, economic status, and neonatal weight. Mean duration of the active phase of labor (167.9 ± 76.3 vs 247.7 ± 101 min, P < 0.001), second stage of labor (34.9 ± 25.4 vs 55.3 ± 33.7 min, P = 0.003), and the number of cesarean deliveries (4 vs 12, P = 0.026) were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group. The rates of oxytocin use and Apgar scores of less than 7 at 5 minutes were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Continuous support provided by midwives during labor may reduce the duration of labor and the number of cesarean deliveries; this model of support should be available to all women. © 2010 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.