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Background/Aims: Extensive research focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of various positions throughout active second stage labour, but there is limited focus on midwives' practice. This study aimed to explore midwives' practice of maternal positions throughout the active phase of second stage labour. Methods: An integrative review of three databases was carried out for research papers published between 2015 and 2022. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis and synthesis. Results: Five eligible research papers were included. There were four key findings: maternal positions practised by midwives, midwives as the prime decision maker, midwives' personal convenience and comfort, and barriers to practising maternal positions. Conclusions: Midwives were seen as prime decision makers, who hindered informed decision making on maternal positions during active second stage labour. Inadequate knowledge, skills and confidence were barriers to practice and attributed to midwives adopting positions that were convenient and comfortable for themselves. Strategies are needed to enhance practice through review and evaluation of current clinical settings, regular updates to evidence-based practice and refreshing essential midwifery skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review was carried out in the UK to explore the cultural practices of Nigerian women during pregnancy and childbirth both within and outside their indigenous community, in order to highlight aspects of birth practices that may serve to enhance their health and wellbeing or to constrain these. Literature was sourced from journals of related disciplines. To encapsulate current knowledge and broaden the scope of the literature review, only articles published within the last 2 decades were selected for this review. Themes drawn from the literature review sum up core beliefs and practices of Nigerian women in childbirth and uncover existing knowledge on the topic in relation to: beliefs and traditions through the birth continuum, the influence of culture on birth practices and beliefs within and outside their indigenous community, challenges of culture to maternal adaptation and/or transition to motherhood in terms of migration and acculturation, the value of motherhood and children in Nigerian culture, social support or the lack of it, religion and spirituality and the interplay of these in their birth experiences. These themes bear relevance to Nigerian women's experience of pregnancy, birth and maternity care experience both in their home country and in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]