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Effect of Maternal Awareness of the Duration fo the Second Stage of Labor on the Length of the Second Stage
Sponsor: Valmiki Vijay Seeraj
Summary
This study aims to understand whether informing laboring patients about how long they have been pushing during the second stage of labor affects the length of that stage and the overall childbirth experience. The second stage of labor is the period from when the cervix is fully dilated until the baby is delivered. When this stage lasts longer than expected, it can increase the chance of complications such as assisted delivery with vacuum or forceps, cesarean delivery, heavy bleeding after delivery, and certain neonatal complications. Although healthcare providers routinely track the duration of the second stage, patients are not always told how long they have been pushing. Some providers believe that sharing this information may help motivate patients and improve their sense of control, while others worry that it could increase stress or pressure. In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the intervention group, patients will receive regular updates about how long they have been pushing during the second stage of labor, and a visible timer will be used. In the comparison group, patients will receive standard care, which does not include structured time updates. All participants will receive the same medical care otherwise. The study will measure the length of the second stage of labor as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes such as the type of delivery, postpartum complications, newborn health indicators, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Participants will also be asked to complete a short questionnaire after delivery about their childbirth experience and sense of control during labor. The risks of this study are minimal because the intervention involves only providing information about time during labor. There are no changes to medical treatment or standard care. The information gained from this research may help clinicians improve communication with patients during labor and may identify simple ways to enhance patient experience and potentially improve labor outcomes. Participation in the study is voluntary, and patients may decline or withdraw at any time without affecting the care they receive.
Official title: Effect of Maternal Awareness of the Duration fo the Second Stage of Labor on the Length of the Second Stage: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
240
Start Date
2026-07-01
Completion Date
2029-07-01
Last Updated
2026-06-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Time aware
Participants randomized to the intervention arm will receive structured awareness of the duration of the second stage of labor. At complete cervical dilation, a nurse or provider will initiate an electronic timer and inform the participant that elapsed pushing time will be monitored and communicated throughout the second stage. The timer will be visible to the participant. Standardized verbal updates on elapsed time will be provided every 30 minutes, with additional reminders at clinically relevant thresholds based on parity and neuraxial analgesia status. Feedback will be supportive, non-coercive, and focused on encouragement and shared decision-making. The intervention is intended to increase maternal awareness of labor progress without changing clinical management. All other aspects of care, including labor positioning, coaching, analgesia, fetal monitoring, and decisions regarding operative vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery, will follow standard institutional protocols.