Advantages and disadvantages of various positions you might try during childbirth.
Fortunately we've left behind the days of the laboring-on-her-back, heavily sedated mother-to-be, totally dissociated from the natural workings of her own body and missing out on the joy of giving birth.
Today women can learn how to use their bodies to minimize discomfort and speed the progress of labor. Trying a variety of positions during labor and birth can help you to find what works best for you. Here is what you need to know about the various labor and birth positions.
Watch Video: The Birthing Process
- Standing
- Walking
- Sitting
- Sitting on Toilet
- Semi-Sitting
- Lithotomy
- Side-Lying
- Leaning
- Kneeling, Leaning Forward with Support
- Squatting
- Hands and Knees
Advantages
- Excellent for oxygenation of fetus
- Uses gravity
- Contractions are more effective and less painful
- Helps speed up labor
- Helps create pushing urge
Disadvantages
- Poor control of delivery
- Visualization very hard for birth attendant
Next Page: Walking; Sitting
Advantages
- Uses gravity
- Contractions often less painful
- Encourages uterine contractility
- Baby well-aligned in pelvis
- May speed up labor
- Reduces backache
- Encourages descent
Disadvantages
- Often mother can't use if she has high blood pressure
