Movement and positions in labor

Research on maternal positions looks at how moving and changing posture relate to the course of labor. Studies cover both stages. A randomized trial examines upright position in the first stage, and a systematic review and meta-analysis considers birth positions and the duration of the second stage. A review looks at position in the second stage for women with epidural anaesthesia, and another meta-analysis looks at maternal positions and occiput posterior malposition.

Other papers capture experience and observation. A cohort study records women's movements and body positions in the last day before birth, and cross-sectional studies explore experiences of lateral positions and satisfaction with birthing positions. A sonographic study compares fetal head descent in dorsal lithotomy and kneeling squat positions, and an observational study looks at upright positions in the second stage.

Parents often ask which positions are possible and whether they can move freely. An educator may want slides that show a range of positions and reflect that options depend on the setting and the person's circumstances. The papers below are the ones the Hub tracks on this topic.