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This randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the effect of early and delayed pushing during the second stage of labour in women with occipitoposterior (OP) malposition. It included 184 nulliparous women with OP position randomised to early pushing in which women were allowed to push within one hour after full cervical dilatation or delayed pushing in which women were asked not to push for maximum of three hours or start pushing when the vertex was visible. The primary outcome was successful vaginal delivery. The rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery was significantly higher in the early pushing group (80.4 vs. 60.9%, p=.004) while the rate of instrumental vaginal delivery (30.4 vs. 15.4%) and CS (8.7 vs. 4.3%) was significantly higher in the delayed pushing group. Women in the delayed pushing group showed a significantly longer duration of the second stage (129.4 ± 7.5 vs. 61.6 ± 15.3 minutes, p<.001) and shorter duration of pushing (219.8 ± 74.8 vs. 693.9 ± 145.2 seconds, p<.001).The rate of 2nd and 3rd degree perineal lacerations (19.6 and 13% vs. 5.4 and 8.7% respectively, p=.013) and vaginal tears (41.3 vs. 8.7%, p<.001) was significantly higher in the early pushing group. We concluded that early pushing during the second stage of labour is associated with higher rates of spontaneous vaginal delivery and vaginal and perineal lacerations. Clinical trial registration NCT03121274. What is already known on this subject? Occipitoposterior malposition is common during delivery especially in primigravida and is associated with higher rates of instrumental delivery and caesarean section. It can be managed through early or delayed pushing. What the results of this study add? Early pushing is associated with higher rates of spontaneous vaginal delivery, perineal and vaginal tears, shorter duration of second stage of labour, shorter duration of pushing, lower rates of both instrumental vaginal delivery and caesarean section. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Early pushing during the second stage of labour is associated with higher rates of spontaneous vaginal delivery and vaginal and perineal lacerations in women with OP malposition and should be tried and not delaying the pushing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cesarean section rate has increased dramatically worldwide but there is still debate about the optimum operative technique of cesarean section. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of rectus muscle reapproximation at cesarean delivery on the postoperative pain. Methods: This study was a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. It included 280 primigravidas, with a singleton pregnancy, who underwent elective lower segment cesarean section at term. The patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups; Group (A): undergoing rectus muscle reapproximation, and Group (B): not undergoing rectus muscle reapproximation. Postoperative pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (no pain) to 100 (maximum pain). Postoperative analgesia, operative time, changes in hemoglobin level, length of hospital stay, and occurrence of postoperative complication were also assessed. Results: Postoperative pain score at the end of the first 24 hours and at the end of the next 24 hours were significantly higher among the group of rectus muscle reapproximation (a difference in VAS pain score of: 5, 95% confidence interval: 0.1-11, p value: .02) and (a difference of 1, 95% confidence interval: 0.1-2.9, p value: .01), respectively. As regards the narcotic use in the first 24 hours after cesarean section, in the form of injections of meperidine 50 mg, it was significantly higher among the group of rectus muscle closure (a difference of 10 mg, 95% confidence interval 3-21.7 mg, p value: .02). While in the next 24 hours, the NSAIDs use, in the form of diclofenac sodium injection, was significantly higher among the group of rectus muscle reapproximation (a difference of 10 mg, 95% confidence interval 3.7-31.7 mg, p value: .02). Conclusions: Rectus muscle reapproximation among women undergoing primary caesarian section is associated with significant increase in the postoperative pain and analgesic requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]