PURPOSE:
The study aimed to evaluate and compare the birth outcomes of laboring women using birth chair and conventional delivery bed. It also assessed the feasibility, safety and maternal satisfaction of using birth chairs for vaginal deliveries among low-risk mothers in Hong Kong.

DISCUSSION:
Methodology: Women who chose to use birth chair for delivery in Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, between 15 November 2021 and 15 June 2025, were included in the study. Their birth outcomes including labor duration, total blood loss, perineal outcomes, infant’s Apgar scores were observed and documented. A 6-point Likert scale maternal satisfaction level were evaluated after childbirth. The data were compared with women using conventional delivery bed.

RESULTS:
Between the study period, there were 16 low-risk women choosing to use birth chair during delivery. No episiotomies or postpartum hemorrhage were observed. Over 60% sustained second-degree perineal tear. All babies had Apgar scores over 7 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes. All satisfaction scored 4 or above. All mother-baby dyads had initiated early skin-to-skin contact. Women reported to have less pain and better control while some experienced discomfort after prolonged sitting on birth chair.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The results supported integrating birth chairs into maternity care options for aligning with global trends toward woman-centered, physiological childbirth. Birth chair was a safe alternative promoting upright positions for laboring women. No increase in postpartum hemorrhage was observed when comparing to conventional delivery bed. Using birth chair reduced medical interventions, resulted in better perineal outcomes, high satisfaction scores and positive birth experience. Larger scale experimental studies were recommended for stronger causal inferences.

KEY MESSAGE:
Birth chair is a safe, intervention-minimizing option associated with positive maternal and neonatal outcomes and should be promoted in all maternity unit. Poster session 2 (Group A)