Work

A Mobilisation Protocol in the Management of Posterior Foetal Presentations: A Multicentre Observational Pilot Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/objectives: The most common foetal malposition is the occipital posterior (OP) position, which accounts for 33.3% of malpositions occurring during labour, and the rate of dystocia reaches 95%. The aim of this study was to describe observed outcomes of a mobilisation protocol in correcting posterior foetal head positions during labour. Methods: A pilot study was conducted using a cross-sectional, multicentre methodology involving 25 pregnant women with a posterior foetal position who were asked to follow a mobilisation protocol. The women’s level of satisfaction was measured using the validated questionnaire, the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire—CEQ (Spanish version). Results: Anterior rotation was observed in 68% of cases, but in the absence of a control group, these findings cannot be distinguished from spontaneous physiological rotation, and 88% of these achieved vaginal delivery with a 95% confidence interval (76–100%). Apgar scores of ≥9 at 5 min were recorded in 100% of newborns, with an average of 9.96 with a 95% confidence interval (9.88–10.04). Women’s level of satisfaction was moderate to high, with the ‘Professional support’ and ‘Participation’ subscales standing out in particular; 100% of women noted the support they received from the midwife, and 95.24% stated that they had been involved in decision-making. Regarding perineal outcomes, no third-degree tears were recorded among women who received the protocol, and 44% of participants maintained an intact perineum. Conclusions: The protocol was feasible to implement, and anterior rotation, vaginal deliveries, favourable neonatal outcomes, and moderate-to-high maternal satisfaction were observed in this small cohort. However, future research will need to demonstrate the protocol’s efficacy through randomised controlled trials comparing the protocol with standard care.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14172737

Authors: María Belén Conesa-Ferrer, María José Martínez-Sandoval, Esther María López-Martínez, José Antonio Vera-Pérez, Isabel Baño-Piñero

Institutions: Universidad de Murcia, Hospital Universitario del Vinalopó

Language: English

Topic: Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258