2018 Jun 05

New search has been performed

Search updated: three new studies included (BUMPES 2017; Simarro 2017; Walker 2012); two new studies excluded (Hofmeyr 2018; Thies‐Lagergren 2011).

2018 Jun 05

New citation required and conclusions have changed

The previous update included five studies (879 women). For this update we have added three studies involving an additional 3585 women. It now includes eight studies (4464 women).

The overall conclusions have not changed, but new sensitivity analyses yielded quite different results from those in the main analysis. Sensitivity analyses excluding smaller studies at high risk of bias, as prespecified in the protocol, favour recumbent positions. In this sensitivity analysis upright position is associated with a 10% higher chance of operative birth, i.e. caesarean or instrumental delivery (63 more operative births per 1000 women). There is a 30% higher risk of caesarean section in the upright group (25 more caesarean sections per 1000 women). Maternal satisfaction may be slightly lower in the upright group. Fewer babies may have low cord pH in the upright group, although there is no difference in any other baby outcomes. These new findings are largely driven by the most recent, large multicentre trial (BUMPES 2017).

2016 Sep 19

New search has been performed

Search updated, nine new trial reports of seven trials added. No new studies were included: two (Simarro 2011; Walker 2012) are awaiting assessment pending further information from the trial authors, three trials were excluded (Amiri 2012; Zaibunnisa 2015; Martin 2011). Two trials are ongoing (Brocklehurst 2016; Hofmeyr 2015).

2016 Sep 19

New citation required but conclusions have not changed

No new included studies identified for this update

'Summary of findings' table added