Abdominal decompression in normal pregnancy

Hofmeyr GJ, Kulier R

Published Online:

August 8, 2010

Abdominal decompression is a procedure during which a negative pressure is applied intermittently to a pregnant woman's abdomen, enclosed within an airtight frame. It is thought to improve the mother's blood flow to the placenta, and during labour to relieve pain. The review of three studies of abdominal decompression used for healthy pregnant women found no benefits with respect to high blood pressure in the mother nor the newborn baby's condition and subsequent intellectual development. Avenues for further research remain.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Abdominal decompression was developed as a means of pain relief during labour. It has also been used for complications of pregnancy, and in healthy pregnant women in an attempt to improve fetal wellbeing and intellectual development.

Objectives:

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of prophylactic abdominal decompression on pregnancy outcomes such as admission for pre-eclampsia, fetal growth, perinatal morbidity and mortality and childhood development.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (June 2009).

Selection criteria:

Randomised trials comparing abdominal decompression with dummy decompression or no treatment in healthy pregnant women.

Data collection and analysis:

Both review authors assessed eligibility and trial quality.

Main results:

Three studies were included. There was no difference between the abdominal decompression groups and the control groups for low birthweight (risk ratio (RR) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27 to 1.77) and perinatal mortality (RR 2.47, 95% CI 0.77 to 7.92). There were no differences in admission for pre-eclampsia, Apgar score and childhood development.

Authors' conclusions:

There is no evidence to support the use of abdominal decompression in normal pregnancies. Future research should be directed towards the use of abdominal decompression during labour, and during complicated pregnancies.

This record should be cited as:

Hofmeyr GJ, Kulier R. Abdominal decompression in normal pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1998, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD001062. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001062

Assessed as up to date:

June 24, 2009

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Primary Review Group:

Pregnancy and Childbirth Group

Health topics:

Pregnancy & childbirth > Fetal assessment before labour > Impaired fetal growth & well-being

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Abdominal decompression in normal pregnancy

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