Clinical algorithms for monitoring and management of spontaneous,
uncomplicated labour and childbirth
Abstract
Aim: To develop evidence-based clinical algorithms for the
assessment and management of spontaneous, uncomplicated labour and
vaginal birth. Population: Pregnant women at any stage of
labour, with singleton, term pregnancies considered to be at low risk of
developing complications. Setting: Health facilities in low-
and middle-income countries. Search Strategy: We searched for
relevant published algorithms, guidelines, systematic reviews and
primary research studies on Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google on
terms related to spontaneous, uncomplicated labour and childbirth up to
01 June 2023. Case scenarios: Three case scenarios were
developed to cover assessments and management for spontaneous,
uncomplicated first, second and third stage of labour. The algorithms
provide pathways for definition, assessments, diagnosis, and links to
other algorithms in this series for management of complications.
Conclusions: We have developed three clinical algorithms to
support evidence-based decision making during spontaneous, uncomplicated
labour and vaginal birth. These algorithms might help guide health care
staff to institute respectful care, appropriate interventions where
needed, and potentially reduce the unnecessary use of interventions
during labour and childbirth.