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Women coached on birthing prior to their first delivery fare equally to those who just do what feels natural, according to a new study. Women who were told to push 10 minutes for every contraction gave birth an average of 13 minutes faster than those who had no instructions, according to researchers at The University of Texas Southwestern. But they said the difference has little impact on the overall birth, which experts say can take up to 14 hours on average. Dr Steven Bloom of the Dallas-based university said: "There were no other findings to show that coaching or not coaching was advantageous or harmful. Often, it's best for the patient to do what's more comfortable for her." (JB/WNWR/SH)
(c) 2004 World Entertainment News Network
