Spirometry parameters of women in various positions of delivery

UNLABELLED: Position in labour depends mostly on women's preferences, and is chosen instinctively in order to reduce labour pain. Between two different positions: vertical and horizontal, the first of them seems to guarantee more convenient gas exchange in maternal lungs. DESIGN: To prove that the vertical position in labour increase spirometry parameters in comparison with horizontal one. METHODS: Women were divided into two groups according to position in labour and spirometry examination were performed in second period of labour. Group I were composed of 17 women in vertical position whereas group II--19 women in horizontal one. RESULTS: Whole of analysed spirometral parameters had higher values in group I (8.2%-17.1%), but the increase wasn't statistically significant (p < 0.05).