Common Birthing Positions Continued
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
Birth Positions Continued