17th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
The Effectiveness of the Friedman Curve in Determining Labor Length in Women Receiving Epidural Pain Relief
Lisa R. Miller
Prof. Pamela Gardner, Faculty Mentor
Objective: The Friedman curve is used in practice to help decide when invasive intervention is needed to complete a delivery. I wanted to examine through research and chart reviews the effectiveness of the Friedman Curve in determining the length of labor for women who have received epidural pain relieve during labor. Design: A quantitative study involving the review of charts and statistical analysis using of the differences between length of labor and the standards of the Friedman Curve. Significance of length of time for women with versus women without epidurals was also evaluated. Setting: A 10 bed post partum obstetrical unit a hospital in Missouri. Participants: Charts meeting the following criteria: vaginal birth, 38 weeks gestation, baby weight of 2500-4000 grams. Mother was at least 18 years old. Results: Statistical tests are still being performed, preliminary tests have shown that there is positive correlation with statistical significance of the difference in length of labor determined by the Friedman curve and women who received epidurals.
Keywords: Epidural, Friedman Curve, Labor
Topic(s):Nursing
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 18-2
Location: VH 1408
Time: 10:15