Pushing Using Real-time Sonographic Ultrasound Education

Launched by FONDAZIONE POLICLINICO UNIVERSITARIO AGOSTINO GEMELLI IRCCS · May 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how using real-time ultrasound during a pushing lesson can help make childbirth easier and safer. The study will include pregnant women who are around 14 to 28 weeks along in their first pregnancy and are planning to deliver at a specific hospital in Italy. Participants will be randomly split into two groups: one group will receive standard pushing instructions from a midwife, while the other group will get the same instructions plus a short ultrasound session to help them understand the best pushing techniques visually.

The trial aims to see if this method can shorten the time it takes to deliver the baby, improve the coordination of pelvic floor muscles, reduce the chances of tearing during delivery, increase the likelihood of successful vaginal births, and enhance overall satisfaction for mothers. To participate, women need to be first-time mothers with a single baby and be able to give informed consent in Italian. The study will involve about 136 women, and it's not yet open for recruitment. This innovative approach hopes to improve the pushing experience for mothers and their newborns.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Nulliparous women in their second trimester (approximately 14-28 weeks of gestation).
• • 2. Willingness to participate in the preparation training program on pushing techniques.
• • 3. Singleton pregnancy.
• • 4. Age 18 years or older.
• • 5. Ability to understand and provide informed consent in Italian.
• • 6. Plan to deliver at the Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Multifetal (e.g., twins, triplets) pregnancies.
• • 2. Known obstetric complications or conditions that contraindicate a vaginal delivery (e.g., placenta previa).
• • 3. Medical or psychiatric conditions that would prevent participation in the educational program or adherence to study protocols.
• • 4. History of pelvic floor surgery or severe pelvic floor dysfunction that might affect participation or outcomes.
• • 5. Inability to understand study requirements or provide informed consent.
• • 6. Participants already enrolled in conflicting clinical trials or interventions that could influence the study's outcomes.