Aim of the study to compare effect of different maternal positions during non-stress test on maternofetal physiological parameters. Design: Quasi-experimental design was utilized. Sample: A purposive sample of 72 women was recruited according to inclusion criteria. Setting: the current study was conducted at fetal monitoring room of obstetrics and gynecology department, Benha University hospital. Three tools were used for data collection;1) A structured interviewing questionnaire. 2) Maternal-fetal physiological parameters sheet. 3) Visual analogue scale of maternal discomfort. Results: There were a highly statistically significant difference in maternal physiological parameters (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate) in the three positions during the non-stress test (p=0.000). Baseline fetal heart rate and number of accelerations in left lateral position were significantly higher than semi-fowler and supine positions (p=0.000 and p=0.030) respectively. Mean number of fetal movements was higher in left lateral position than semi-fowler and supine (p=0.133). Mean time taken for first fetal movement, and reactive non-stress test are significantly less in left lateral position compared to semi-fowler and supine positions (p=0.000). A highly statistically significant difference regarding discomfort during non-stress test the three positions (p=0.000). Conclusion: left lateral and semi-fowler positions during non-stress test demonstrated favorable maternofetal physiological parameters and women felt more comfortable than in supine position. The study recommended that left lateral and semi-fowler maternal positions can be used as alternative positions during non-stress test. |
