Evaluation of the Effects of Different Positions Given During Antenatal Electro-Fetal Monitoring

IIntroduction: Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is widely utilized for pregnancy and labor management due to its non-invasive nature, ease of use, and accessibility. However, the accuracy of EFM outcomes may be influenced by various factors, including the maternal position during monitoring, maternal comfort, and maternal blood pressure. This study aimed to explore how different positions during EFM influence both maternal.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of three different maternal positions during EFM-right-side lying, semi-sitting, and left-side lying-on maternal and fetal health parameters. These parameters included systolic blood pressure, body temperature, pulse rate, and maternal comfort.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a pregnancy follow-up outpatient clinic at a maternity hospital in Istanbul from December 2021 to January 2023. The study included 240 pregnant women, who were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

• Intervention 1 (right-side lying position) - 60 participants
• Intervention 2 (semi-sitting position) - 60 participants
• Control group (left-side lying position) - 120 participants Maternal physiological data were collected at three time points: pre-EFM, during EFM, and post-EFM. The General Comfort Scale-Short Form was used to assess maternal comfort. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify significant differences between groups and over time.

Inclusion criteria

• Being over the age of 18,
• Being 35 years of age and under,
• Being a single fetus in the late 3rd trimester (34th-40th gestational week),
• Fetal biometric measurements between 34-40 weeks of gestation,
• No maternal and fetal risk affecting pregnancy,
• It was determined that the vital signs were within normal values before the application, not being hungry during the application (at the latest 2 hours of fasting time will be checked), and accepting the recommended application position.

Exclusion criteria

• The pregnant woman does not accept the recommended application position.