Use of fundal pressure during second-stage labor - A pilot study

Fundal pressure is a controversial obstetric technique used by some practitioners in second-stage labor. In this preliminary study, 34 deliveries in which fundal pressure was used to expedite birth were matched with 34 deliveries that occurred spontaneously. Several parameters were compared between the two groups. In the group of women who were delivered with use of fundal pressure, second-stage labor was longer and a higher incidence of third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations was observed compared with those women who delivered spontaneously. This article discusses the possible reasons for these findings, the reasons fundal pressure was used, and the controversial issues that surround this technique.