Abstract

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to investigate the effects of different maternal positions on reactivity of the Nonstress Test (NST), maternal blood pressure and heart rate.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 243 pregnants were randomized to the position groups (sitting, semifowler’s, semifowler’s left lateral) at 34-37 and 38-40 gestational weeks. The socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics questionnaire and “NST Form” were used. For the statistical comparison of the continuous variables, one-way ANOVA, and t test in independent groups were used.

RESULTS

NST reactivity when sitting was higher than the other positions; in 38-40 gestational weeks, reactivity was higher than 34-37 gestational weeks, although statistically nonsignificant (p>0,05). Reactive NST results were evaluated in 4 time periods. Time-to-reactivity in relation to position didn’t reveal a significant difference. Independent of the position, we found a significant difference in time to reactivity between 0–5 and 0–10 minutes, and between 0-10 and 0–15 minutes (p<0,05), but there was no significant difference in time to reactivity between 0-15 and 0-20 minutes (p>0,05). Basal fetal heart rate was similar in all gestational weeks regardless of the position, as well as starting and 10 minutes maternal systolic, diastolic blood pressure levels (p>0,05). Maternal heart rates were significantly different in semifowler left lateral position (p<0,05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Semifowler left lateral and sitting position NST applications seem to be more appropriate in order to get higher reactive results as the most comfortable position for the pregnants. No significant difference between 15 and 20 minutes period applications in reactivity were observed, so a 15 minutes application may be sufficient for NST evaluation.