Integrated Intrapartum Supportive Care and Pushing Strategies in Women Receiving Low-Dose Epidural Analgesia

Participants are enrolled into one of three predefined care groups: (1) integrated intrapartum supportive care combined with spontaneous pushing (IC-SP), (2) integrated intrapartum supportive care combined with immediate pushing (IC-IP), or (3) routine intrapartum care combined with immediate pushing (RC-IP). Group allocation is determined prospectively according to the attending physician's established clinical practice. The RC-IP group receives the hospital's usual intrapartum care. Allocation is determined before implementation of the intervention and is not based on labor outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:low-risk pregnant women aged 18 years or older with a singleton, term pregnancy (37-42 weeks), spontaneous labor onset, and planning to receive low-dose epidural analgesia. Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion Criteria: multiple gestation, non-cephalic presentation, known major fetal anomalies, planned cesarean birth, contraindications to vaginal birth, contraindications to maternal mobility or epidural analgesia, or inability to provide informed consent.