How It Works 2: The Discussion for Upright Birth

Abstract

Midwives and those working in maternity care will attest to the benefits of upright birthing positions over recumbent positions. Upright positioning during labour has been associated with improved birthing efforts and fetal positioning by allowing improved movements of the fetus and opening up or allowing expansion through the pelvis resulting in a shorter second stage of labour.1 In upright positions the mother or birthing person’s shoulders and head are above the pelvis and many attribute this position as ‘gravity assisted birth’. In traditional obstetric applications, positions might be more related to the practitioner’s improved access or monitoring purposes during labour and birth. These positions are not considered upright: recumbent or lithotomy, both which place the person on their back, typically with legs up or supported. Arguably these positions may be associated with a closed pelvis, increased pressure on the coccyx, or reduced ability for the fetus to navigate the pelvis.2,3