Normal birth in Kazakhstan: Labor management practice in accordance with World Health Organization’s recommendations

Abstract

Background: Over the last 10 years, the evidential practice has been developing in Kazakhstan. The clinical protocols of diagnostics and treatment were implemented in the country since 2007. We analyzed the normal birth practice in Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods: Obstetricians and midwives were subject to the questionnaire survey in four large Maternity Hospitals of Almaty. Results: Totally, 72 midwives and 50 obstetricians took part in the questionnaire survey. 4% of physicians indicated the regular use of enema, 11.1% of midwives and 24% of physicians — the shaving of the pubis, and the regular use of amniotomy was noted by 12% of physicians and 41.7% of midwives. At the second stage, the application of the Kristeller’s method was noted by 8% of physicians and 11.1% of midwives. Conclusion: The noncompliance of the normal birth surveillance in Kazakhstan with the WHO’s recommendations appears in the usage of routine methods at the first stage and of the Kristeller’s method at the second stage of normal birth.

Key words: Intranatal care, Kazakhstan, normal birth, obstetrics, recommendations, World Health Organization