Is laying in a hospital bed really the best way to give birth?

Close your eyes and think about how your body is positioned when giving birth.
Were you laying on your back, with your legs in stirrups, and the doctor at the end of the bed delivering your baby?

This is super common, and is what is depicted in movies, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best way to give birth! Research actually shows this is one of the more dangerous positions to be in during birth for several reasons. Laying on your back reduces the opening of the pelvis, and does not work with gravity. This means there is less momentum downwards, and less room width-wise for baby to come out. This makes it more likely for baby to stop progressing during labour, meaning there is increased risk of pitocin induction, the use of vacuum or forceps, and many other interventions. 

Evidence continues to show that upright birth positions are more beneficial in numerous ways, yet hospitals still recommend mums lie on their back. We think this is because it is more convenient for the doctor to deliver baby, and there usually isn’t any training provided for upright birthing positions during OBGYN residency. So doctors probably feel less confident in aiding a mom giving birth in any position other than laying on her back. 


What is so good about upright birthing positions?

1. Allows for a wider pelvis and hips, gravity, and stronger contractions to accommodate for baby to move down the birth canal, reducing the risk of needing forceps or a vacuum, or emergency C Section
2. Shortens the length of pushing phase by about 8 minutes
3. Reduces compression on the aorta, which allows more blood to flow to baby, reducing the likelihood of abnormal fetal heart tones
4. Decreased pain
5. Moms report a more positive birth experience
6. Decreased risk of perineal tears or trauma
7. Reduced likelihood of needing an episiotomy (cut made in the perineum to help baby come out)
8. Reduced risk of shoulder dystocia (where baby’s shoulder gets stuck on the way out)

*There are reasons you should not give birth in an upright positions, and this might include a high dose epidural, along with other reasons. Always discuss with your practitioner.