Ambulation in labor on low risk pregnancies and cesareans

Abstract

Objective: To determine if ambulation as a method to stimulate natural childbirth helps to reduce the period of cervical dilation and consequently the high rate of cesarean deliveries in Mexico. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca in Guadalajara, Jal. During the period from January to March 2013. A representative sample of 338 low-risk pregnant women attending the delivery was studied. Data were collected on sociodemographic variables, obstetric history, medical interventions and the form delivery method: vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Results: Pregnant adolescents were 1.5 times more likely to have a cesarean compared to the adult women group. Women over 40 are 3.2 times more likely to need a cesarean section compared to the group of younger women (95% CI = 1.3-8.2). No ambulate increases the risk of a cesarean section by 3.8 times compared to those who do wander (95% CI = 1.9-7.6). Conclusions: Non-ambulation significantly increases the risk of having a cesarean section in the study group and this risk was independent of age. Due to the above, it is necessary to comply with the regulations to allow ambulation during labor to shorten the duration of labor and help avoiding a cesarean delivery.