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Common Birthing Positions Continued

Semi Sitting

Pros

More Comfortable
Makes good use of gravity
Allows you to rest easily
Easy to do in hospital beds
Good visibility for all present
Good for continuous electronic monitoring

Cons

Access to perineum can be poor, as well as mobility of coccyx is impaired
Places some stress on perineum

Lying On Your Side

Pros

Good for oxygen supply to baby
Easy resting position
Good if you have high blood pressure
Useful if mother has epidural
Can make contractions more effective
Can speed up labor
Easier to relax between contractions
Partner can assist in delivery
Lowers chance of need for episiotomy
Access to perineum is excellent

Cons

No help from gravity
Mother must support her leg under knee if no one is there to hold leg
Mother may feel too passive

Squatting

Pros

Uses gravity effectively
May increase rotation of baby
Excellent for access to the perineum
Excellent for fetal circulation
May increase pelvis diameter by as much as two centimeters
Requires less bearing-down effort
Thighs keep baby well-aligned

Cons

May be more tiring
May be hard for mother to assist in delivery