Study of correlation between maternal fatigue and uterine contraction pattern in the active phase of labour

Aims and objectives: To evaluate the correlation between maternal fatigue and uterine contraction pattern at the beginning of the active phase of labour.

Background: Fatigue is one of the most common complaints in pregnant women that often continues until delivery. Maternal fatigue prolongs the labour process and increases the rate of cesarian section. Studies on the pattern of uterine contractions have shown that the length of the fall time is longer in prolonged labours than in normal deliveries.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: This study was conducted on 100 primiparous women who were referred to Ommolbanin Hospital (Mashhad, Iran) in 2011. Maternal fatigue was assessed at the beginning of the active phase of labour. Then, the pattern of uterine contractions was monitored for 30 minutes by an external tocodynamometer. The F/R ratio was determined by measuring the time for a contraction to return to its baseline from its peak and the time for a contraction to rise to its peak. The data were analysed by chi-square and anova tests.

Results: The results showed that there was a significant relationship between maternal fatigue and uterine contraction pattern. The F/R ratio was increased with increase in fatigue severity.

Conclusions: Fatigue causes changes in the pattern of uterine contractions. The return time of a contraction from its peak to its baseline (fall) is increased with increase in fatigue severity.

Relevance to clinical practice: Offering strategies to prevent tiredness and reduce the related fatigue complications.