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Introduction: Considering the importance of diagnosing fetal distress and knowing diagnostic methods with minimum cost and time and high diagnostic value, this study was performed to evaluate the vibroacoustic stimulation test ( VAST) value in predicting fetal distress in women in active phase of labor, reffering to Motazedi hospital, Kermanshah, 2004.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was carried out on women in active phase of labor (dilatation >3-4), full term, single fetus, cephalic presentation, without previous diseases and also abnormal fetus. At first FHR was monitored for 15 minutes, then vibroacoustic stimulation was done for 3 seconds using an artificial larynx of Seimens Servox with high - pitch intensity equal to 105 dB. Results were recorded as non reactive and reactive FHR ( twice 15 beats acceleration for 15 seconds). Other variables such as type of delivery, 1 and 5 minutes Apgar, meconium passing and nuch cord were documented. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and diagnostic value test.
Results: Age of women was 25.2 ±5.8, number of pregnancy 1.94 ± 1.33 and 51.8% of them had one pregnancy. FHR before VAST was 61.1% reactive and 26.3% suspicious and after VAST 60.8% reactive and 5.3% suspicious. In VAST method sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic value were 88.3%, 70% and 75.5% respectively and in nonVAST method 68.3%, 66.5%, 23.6%.
Conclusion: This study showed that VAST can assist to reduce suspicious cases of FHR.The prognostic value of VAST in predicting fetal distress was high. It is recommended to carry out further researches about duration and intensity of sound and using periodic FHR

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Introduction: Diagnosing parturients in risk of cesarean section early in the beginning of active phase of labor, is very important. This may let take necessary action to accelernate labor (delivery) and prevent maternal mortality and morbidity due to late cesarean section. Materials and Methods: During a period of 8 months from July 2004 to March 2005, 216 primiparous women, with term pregnancy and cephalic single fetus, referred to Imam Reza hospital in (during) active phase of labor, were studied. Changes of cervical dilatation and descent of the conceptus were observed. Parturients were devided to two groups, vaginal delivery and cesurean section. Protraction or arrest disorders were the indications of cesarean deliveries. Findings were analysed through using T-Test, unilateral variance and Chi square test. Results: The more changes in cervical dilatation in the first 2 hours of active phase of labor, the less possibility of cesarean delivery (p<0.001). Also the more rate of the conceptus descent in the first 2 hours of active phase of labor, the less rate of cesarean section (p<0.001). There was no significant statistical relationship between condition of membranes at the onset of active labor and method of delivery, however there was a significant relationship between oxytocin augmentation and method of delivery (p<0.001). Conclusion: In primiparous women with term pregnancy, vaginal delivery would be fairly predictable by observing changes of cervical dilatation and conceptus descent during the first 2 hours of active phase of labor.