Prophylactic rotation for malposition in the second stage of labor: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Prophylactic manual rotation of fetuses in occiput posterior or occiput transverse position, confirmed using ultrasound examination, did not increase the rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery compared with no manual rotation. Manual rotation of the occiput posterior fetal head early during the second stage of labor was associated with a significant 12.8-minute decrease in the length of the second stage of labor with no changes in any other maternal or fetal outcomes. There were no differences demonstrated for fetuses rotated from occiput transverse position or for the combination of occiput posterior and occiput transverse fetuses. Because there is some evidence of benefit, prophylactic manual rotation can be offered to patients during the second stage of labor presenting with occiput posterior position of the fetal head documented during ultrasound examination.