Doyle J, Bagnoli D, Kenny T, McCarroll ML, Hamrich L, von Gruenigen V. Birth outcomes and usability of Relaxbirth® for upright positioning intrapartum: A retrospective case control study.
J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2018;
48:275-282. [PMID:
30412787 DOI:
10.1016/j.jogoh.2018.10.019]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study was to pilot Relaxbirth® (Relaxbirth®, Ltd., Helsinki, Finland), an investigational device designed to facilitate upright positioning intrapartum. The objective was to 1) compare birth outcomes with and without the use of Relaxbirth®, and 2) assess device usability.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
Study design: prospective product use and retrospective case control study at one perinatal center in Ohio.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
≥18 years old, <300 lbs. women with a low-risk, term gestation of a singleton, vertex fetus, and vaginal birth between January 2013 to June 2016. Participants who used the Relaxbirth® device intrapartum (RB group) were retrospectively case-matched to controls (CON group) according to age, race, insurance, gravida/parity, gestational age and labor type. Birth outcomes (primary outcome) were compared between groups. Providers and women who used Relaxbirth® assessed usability of the device with the Modified System Usability Scale Tool (secondary outcome).
RESULTS
Of the n = 60 included in the final analysis, RB women (n = 30) pushed for a shorter average duration compared to CON women (n = 30) [34 min (±48) versus 60 min (±63), p = 0.023]. RB women did not experience more adverse birth outcomes including: longer second stage duration, operative vaginal delivery, malpresentation, perineal laceration/episiotomy, higher blood loss, or low Apgars. Usability survey results were favorable (Total Average Scores: providers 74.1; RB 83.6).
CONCLUSION
Clinical experience with the Relaxbirth® device was positive at this pilot site. The device was associated with favorable birth outcomes and usability, suggesting potential as a safe and novel adjunct to promote intrapartum choices, upright positioning and maternal satisfaction.
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