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The Good and Bad of Birthing Positions

In today’s modern times, we have also thankfully left behind the old idea that the only childbirth position which was successful was with the pregnant mother lying uncomfortably on her back with her legs in the air.

There are many positions which are available to you during the course of childbirth, and it is important that you find a position which works best for you.

Each position has it's pros and cons though and you may need to use a combination of different positions.

Pros & cons of birthing positions

Standing

Pros

Excellent for delivering oxygen to baby
Uses gravity to help move baby through birth canal
Contractions are more effective and less painful
Helps speed up labor and create the urge to push

Cons

Poor control of delivery
Visualization very hard for birth attendant

Walking

Pros

Contractions often less painful
Encourages uterine contractility
Helps to speed up labor
Reduces backache
Encourages descent through the birth canal

Cons

Can't be used if you suffer from high blood pressure
Continuous electronic fetal monitoring cannot be used

Sitting

Pros

Good for resting
Uses gravity to help baby move through the canal
Can be used with continuous electronic monitoring as well as birth ball to encourage descent

Cons

May not be able to use if you suffer from high blood pressure

Sitting on Toilet

Pros

Helps to relax perineum
More comfortable position which you may be used to
Uses gravity to help move baby through canal

Cons

Sitting on the toilet seat may cause additional pain

Birthing Positions Continued