Vertical childbirth: preparation, indications and contraindications. Pros and cons of giving birth in an upright position. How is vertical birth performed? Vertical childbirth: preparation, contraindications, pros and cons Positions of the woman in labor during the birth process

Natural delivery, including vertical birth. And for most women, this practice seems surprising and new, although in fact it is a well-forgotten old thing. But why is such a birth better than the usual lying position, is it convenient for the woman and the staff, is this method of delivery suitable for all women? We will understand all the nuances and subtleties of this process.

Historical data

If you study books on history and ancient medicine, as well as evaluate the obstetric customs of many nations, then the birth of children in the position that is considered traditional today appeared only a few centuries ago. By the standards of human existence, this is a very short period of time. In ancient times, childbirth took place in a standing position, or women squatted, which was more convenient from the point of view of the physiology of the process. Thus, African women, as the birth approached, went further into the forests from people, holding on to tree branches or poles, they performed a series of successive squats and lifts while contractions were going on, and during pushing they squatted down, tensing their abdominal muscles.

In India, women often gave birth while hanging on tree branches, and ancient peoples even had special birthing chairs, chairs that had special armrests and a cutout in the seat area. Many ancient cultures imagine female goddesses squatting during childbirth, with the head of the emerging baby between their legs.

The modern version of childbirth, according to some sources, appeared in France, at the birth of the heir of Louis XIV. The women were placed in the traditional position for today's childbirth, so that His Majesty could witness the birth of the heir in all details. There is also evidence from sources that doctors at one time supplanted midwives and midwives by placing women on their backs; it became more convenient for them to carry out obstetric aids (forceps, manual assistance).

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Gradually, childbirth on the back, when the woman takes a horizontal position, became widespread. But more and more people can hear the opinion that this position during childbirth is not entirely optimal and natural.

Naturalness or convenience?

Most maternity institutions today use the traditional position when giving birth to children naturally - the expectant mother gives birth lying in a special (Rakhmanov) maternity chair. But it turns out that for a woman, if she is lying down, she no longer has such an active role throughout childbirth, and one can often hear arguments about how such a position is not so physiological for the child, not to mention how uncomfortable it is for the mother.

If the state of health and the natural birth itself allow, the expectant mother can, as she feels, choose for herself the position, the pose that is most optimal for her, while she is walking. Such activity and movements around the delivery room contribute well to the opening of the cervical pharynx, accelerating the birth process. This also reduces the need to either induce labor with medication. When pushing, it is also worth taking a position in which it will be most comfortable to push, and the strength of pushing will be maximum for the speedy birth of the child.

Biomechanics of childbirth

If they talk about vertical birth , they mean a way of giving birth to children, which implies the position of the expectant mother with the pelvic axis perpendicular to the ground all the time from the beginning of contractions until the delivery of the placenta. That is, her pelvis is in a vertical position, she can stand or squat, or kneel. If this traditional childbirth When a woman in labor lies on her back, the large uterus with its weight presses on the vessels running along the spine. The abdominal aorta (carrying blood to the lower part of the body) also passes through this zone (collecting blood from the pelvis and legs). In general, the uterus, if you calculate its weight by the end of gestation, adding amniotic fluid plus the mass of the baby, will average up to 7 kg, which significantly reduces the blood flow through the narrowed aorta to the pelvis, limbs and abdominal cavity. Accordingly, the blood flow in the area of the walls of the uterus, plus the vessels of the placenta, and therefore in the fetus during childbirth also suffers.

And a decrease in the lumen of the vein creates congestion in the area of the lower extremities, as well as in the venous plexuses of the pelvis. Venous return to the heart area decreases, which worsens general blood circulation and creates disturbances in the placenta, as well as the uterine walls and fetus.

In addition, there is no pronounced and uniform, constant pressure that the baby's head exerts on the lower part of the uterus (cervical area), and the effect of the amniotic sac as a hydraulic wedge is reduced. This can slow down the progress of labor and also creates the need to use pain relief and drugs that stimulate contractions. Vertical childbirth partially solves a number of these problems.

Doctors' opinions on vertical birth

Today, vertical birth, unlike many other options for obstetric care, is officially recognized by the medical community and is practiced in maternity hospitals (not all, only some). This is justified by their biomechanism. When the woman in labor gets to her feet, sits in a maternity chair with a recess, or squats, if she kneels, the pressure from the uterus on the area of large vascular trunks is reduced, and the uteroplacental blood flow is normalized. This reduces the risk of fetal hypoxia, not only during contractions, but as they turn into pushing, when the baby passes the area of the birth ring (bones and soft tissues that make up the perineum).

Due to the intense pressure exerted by the presenting part (for vertical birth it must be the head), as well as due to the fetal bladder, which forms a hydraulic wedge, a smoother and more active opening of the cervix occurs with the formation of the birth canal. This helps shorten the first period and relieves pain during contractions. Reducing the time of childbirth is always a positive moment for the child’s and female body, because each contraction is a temporary depletion of oxygen from the uterine wall with the placenta, and therefore temporary.

Pros of vertical birth

According to experts, the vertical position allows you to use the forces of earth's gravity so that the fetus moves faster and easier inside the birth canal. This reduces the risk of injury to the fetal head during childbirth, as well as the mother’s soft tissues due to the slow and smooth advancement of its head. During the pushing period, the muscle tension required to expel the fetus from the uterus will be minimal. This occurs because the skeletal muscles work harmoniously and the force of gravitational attraction acts, and the muscles on the pelvic floor relax at this moment. With this influence, the birth canal can more easily adapt to the size of the fetal head; they stretch and seem to flow around the fetus. The need for incisions in the perineum or its ruptures when practicing vertical delivery, according to statistics, occurs less frequently.

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The pressure of the presenting part (which includes the fetal voice and the anterior zone of the amniotic sac) against the background of labor with an occipital presentation can help increase intrauterine pressure with each push. This helps the uterus contract more efficiently and reduces pain.

The woman in labor taking a position on the crusts or sitting in the birthing chair helps to increase the size of the pelvis due to the fact that the location of the pelvic bones changes. Plus, the woman actively participates in the birth of the baby; she herself sees the birth of her baby. According to separate studies, an upright body position has been shown to reduce the release of stress hormones, which reduces the feeling of fear and anxiety in the mother. Due to the vertical position of the woman’s body, the placenta comes out faster, the total blood loss during childbirth is also reduced, amounting to about 150 ml, compared to the usual up to 400 ml.

The positive aspects of vertical childbirth are identified and scientifically substantiated throughout the entire birth experience: during contractions, the painful sensation and duration of the opening stage are alleviated; during pushing, the passage of the baby through the birth ring is facilitated; in the third, the placenta passes faster and there is less risk of blood loss and complications with retained placenta.

Indications for vertical childbirth

It is important to understand that the indications for vertical childbirth are strictly individual: what is good for one expectant mother may negatively affect the condition of another. However, there are situations in which vertical birth is recommended and shown as the most optimal option for the birth of a child. This should include:

vision problems, if possible during normal childbirth
pathologies of blood vessels and heart without circulatory disorders
more than 6 diopters.

Vertical birth is prohibited if there is confirmed improper attachment of the placenta (partial or complete), as well as against the background of existing serious somatic pathologies. In each situation, if a woman expresses a desire to give birth in an upright position, the situation is assessed specifically. If there are no contraindications, then you need to select a maternity hospital based on whether such births are practiced there or not.

Choosing a maternity hospital

Today, although vertical childbirth is recognized by official medicine, it is not practiced in all maternity hospitals, especially free of charge. In addition, in each maternity hospital they can take place in different ways. Therefore, for each city it is worth finding out in advance which medical center practices these births, how much they cost and whether they can be carried out within the framework of a birth certificate. Some maternity hospitals are reluctant to do this even if they have a contract.

Most maternity hospitals practice elements of vertical childbirth only during contractions, and pushing is carried out in the classic position on the back in a chair. If childbirth is carried out vertically from beginning to end, the maternity hospital often offers special training courses before it.

How to prepare for childbirth?

If a doctor has cleared a woman for vertical childbirth, she must first undergo preparation for it, and this must be done as early as possible, not before the onset of labor, but in advance, at least three to four months in advance. This will help you study theoretical materials, watch videos of such births and mentally tune in and prepare. You need to practice preparing for childbirth as such in advance, by attending preparation courses for future births at antenatal clinics or paid centers, at maternity hospitals and children's centers.

It is also important when preparing to make sure that the maternity hospital has a license for this type of practice and at the expected time of your birth it will not be closed for a scheduled “wash”, and your plans for childbirth in an upright position will not be disrupted. After concluding a contract for childbirth, it is worth once again discussing all the nuances with the doctor who will manage your childbirth, and he will help you become familiar with the positions that are practiced. It is important to know about all of them, because it is not known which of the selected ones will be most convenient during the birth of the baby, it is worth trying them all at home in advance.

Alena Paretskaya, pediatrician, medical columnist

In the modern world, a stereotype has long been formed that childbirth should only take place in a horizontal position, lying on your back. An alternative may be vertical childbirth, which, according to experts, is more convenient for both mother and child. During such childbirth, a woman maintains a semi-erect position.

Vertical childbirth - history

Vertical childbirth began to be practiced 4 thousand years BC in China and India. The Indians of Peru and Maya, living in North and South America, also preferred this particular technique. And some African peoples still don’t even know another way of giving birth. Even in the Egyptian pyramids, frescoes depicting women giving birth while standing were found. Later in Medieval Europe they began to make special devices for vertical childbirth, which cost a lot of money. Several centuries later, vertical childbirth was banned by order of the King of France, and, so to speak, the horizontal ones familiar to all of us came into “fashion.” Nowadays, women are free to choose a position that is convenient for them for childbirth, but most prefer the traditional method. Behind this lies only ignorance of all the advantages of birth while standing.

Vertical childbirth - features

A woman giving birth in the usual way is assigned only a passive role in this process. She only follows the doctor’s instructions, without being able to control her position; she lacks a strong enough support. Which causes some discomfort for both mother and child. It turns out that this is only convenient for the doctor and midwife delivering the baby.

Women who give birth in an upright position endure the first stage of labor much easier. The woman in labor can walk, take a warm shower, and sit down on a special chair. All this relieves pain during contractions. In the second period, while pushing, the woman in labor should kneel and hold on to the back of the bed, leaning forward slightly. This is considered the most optimal position for delivery. Nowadays, many maternity hospitals have special beds with a rising back, adapted specifically for this position. It is thanks to this that the uterus begins to contract more actively, which can significantly speed up the process and reduce the risk of injuring the child. Then, accordingly, the birth itself occurs, in which the woman takes an active part and, most importantly, sees the birth of a newborn baby into the world. The separation of the placenta occurs in a sitting position, which shortens the postpartum period and reduces blood loss, in this case it does not exceed 100-150 milliliters.

Vertical childbirth: advantages

So, the main advantages of vertical childbirth are as follows:

1. The uterus puts less pressure on large vessels.

2. The postpartum period is shortened.

3. The woman actively participates in the birth process.

4. Blood loss is reduced.

5. The risk of injuring the child is reduced.

Vertical birth - contraindications

There are few contraindications for childbirth. This is too much weight of the fetus, especially in primiparous women (more than 4 kilograms), if the fetus is turned upside down in the womb and the pelvis of the woman in labor is too narrow. But in any case, even if the woman herself does not observe such signs, she needs to consult a doctor.

Performing a vertical birth does not require special skills, effort, or expensive equipment. Although this method is already quite common in the modern world, many doctors still do not practice it, or refuse to practice it. And many mothers, especially those giving birth for the first time, are afraid of a practice unknown to them. But in fact, all that is needed is to change the learned stereotypes of medical staff in relation to childbirth, and the idea of carrying out a standard birth for a woman.

Vertical childbirth is not an innovation, but a revival of the experience of previous generations. For more than two centuries, the main role was assigned to the doctor; for him, the horizontal position of the woman in labor is more convenient.

Model For vertical births
indications for its implementation: disability
milk “comes” How to restore

The more physiological, less traumatic and painful process of childbirth was forgotten. Now it is offered more and more often, if there are no contraindications, and the expectant mother expresses a similar desire.

How does this happen

Vertical childbirth is carried out, of course, not necessarily standing. The woman sits on a special chair, kneels, holding onto a support, or squats. The pose is chosen that will be more comfortable. Moreover, at any time you can abandon this position and lie on the obstetric bed. The doctor will advise you on the correct decision.

The process is the same as usual:

first period – contractions;
then pushing and the birth of the baby;
The final stage is the birth of the placenta.

During contractions, the cervix opens and the joints of the pelvic bones move apart. These processes themselves are relatively painless. Pain appears due to the resistance of the body's muscles to the changes that occur. The physical activity of the woman in labor helps to ease it.

Less traumatic process

Now this fact is taken into account not only during vertical, but also during horizontal childbirth. A woman is recommended to walk, sit on a fitball, making rotational movements with her pelvis, and “hang” on a support or the shoulders of an assistant. This way the muscles relax and the pain goes away.

At the same time, the cervix dilates faster. Thanks to the activity of the woman in labor, the first labor period is shortened by two to three hours. Moreover, the introduction of stimulants and painkillers is not required.

Pushing during childbirth in a standing position is aided by gravity. It is possible to move the pelvis more or less freely, making it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. Although this position is less convenient for the doctor, so in case of any complications, he can transfer the woman to the couch. Is it possible?

When giving birth in a sitting or standing position, the placenta is delivered faster. This is facilitated by the very position of the woman’s body, as well as the baby’s sucking of the breast. The blood loss that is inevitable during this process is also reduced.

All of the above is true only relatively. An individual approach is necessary, because what is good for many may turn out to be completely unacceptable for a particular woman in labor.

There are situations when vertical childbirth is not just suggested, but recommended:

the possibility of retinal detachment in a woman in labor;
cardiovascular diseases;
high myopia.

Most of these cases involve a caesarean section. Delivery while sitting makes it possible to avoid this operation and its consequences for mother and baby.

However, this procedure has its pros and cons.

physiological body position;
pain decreases;
The cervix opens faster, the period of contractions is shortened;
pushing becomes easier;
blood vessels are not compressed, vertical birth prevents a lack of oxygen in the child;
the fetus moves more smoothly along the birth canal;
his head is less injured;
the woman in labor gets fewer breaks;
the placenta is born faster;
blood loss is reduced.

not everyone is comfortable with this situation;
It is more difficult for a doctor to control the birth process and perform obstetric manipulations;
epidural anesthesia is not possible;
It is better to use a special chair.

The chair used for upright childbirth is similar to a table with a hole or notch in the middle. There are footrests and hand rests. The woman sits on it, with the pelvis and vagina above the opening. Through it, the doctor admits the child.

How the baby comes out

Now there are couches of a special design on which you can give birth both lying and sitting. But for natural childbirth, the presence of such a device is not always necessary. The woman can kneel, then the doctor will accept the baby from behind. You can squat, but this is the least comfortable.

Comparison with horizontal ones and contraindications

When making a decision, you need to weigh the pros and cons. First of all, it is important to consult a doctor. Not everyone supports this idea, since the possibility of complete control over the process is lost.

But at the same time, more and more obstetricians and gynecologists support vertical birth. They have significant advantages over horizontal ones:

the position is more natural for both the woman and the fetus than horizontal;
the weight of the child and the uterus acts in the right direction - it makes the cervix open faster, speeds up the baby’s progress, while with horizontal ones it compresses the vessels passing under it, and the woman has to work herself;
It’s easier for a woman to watch their progress and participate more actively in the process under the supervision of a doctor.

Contraindications will be:

prematurity;
malposition;
narrow pelvis of a woman;
large fruit;
rapid labor activity;
placenta previa;
the presence of diseases of the internal organs in the woman giving birth.

How to prepare for this

It is better to prepare in the last months of pregnancy. Preparation for vertical childbirth is carried out in almost all courses for pregnant women. But the problem is that not all maternity hospitals are ready to provide such obstetric care.

There are several reasons for this. The presence of a special chair is far from the most important of them. In fact, many doctors, especially of the old school, do not support this “innovation” at all. But even if the medical staff has such experience, the maternity hospital must have a license to use it.

Therefore, the first step after deciding on a non-standard birth is choosing a maternity hospital. Then you need to consult a doctor; it is also useful to familiarize yourself with the poses in advance.

Postures during childbirth are as follows:

sitting on a special chair or half-sitting - you need support for your legs and arms, the pelvic area should sag over the hole;
squatting independently or with support - this position is considered the best for passing the baby, but can greatly tire the woman in labor;
kneeling with or without support - often used for vertical childbirth, can be seen in many photos;
on all fours – can be used to relax, relieve pain, and reduce the speed of the process.

It’s better not just to study the options, but to rehearse each of them. You can take preparatory courses. They should be conducted by a specialist, preferably on the recommendation of a doctor.

It is necessary to think through all positions during childbirth

When vertical birth begins, the woman will intuitively understand which way is more convenient for her. Sometimes it turns out that it is better to lie on your back - the doctor may also recommend this, even if there are no complications.

The right attitude, preparation, and consultation with a doctor ensure a good outcome for both mother and baby. This fact is confirmed by reviews.

Svetlana Lavrikova:

I practically didn’t feel the pregnancy, except that I went for tests, and then the baby started pushing. Long before I even became pregnant, I knew that I would have a vertical birth. I studied a lot of information on the Internet. I had to visit several maternity hospitals, and it turned out that they don’t do this everywhere. I found “my” doctor after going to her for consultations several times. Everything was explained to me in advance. I felt completely ready. Although it was painful from the very beginning. Thanks to the doctor and midwife, they supported me all the time. I gave birth very easily, except for pain, only two small tears. The very next day she was sitting calmly and upright. And the child is doing great, although he is large, 4100. The midwife said that if it weren’t for the vertical birth, he would have torn much more, and it’s not a fact that everything would have gone so quickly.

Milena Elizarova:

The first time I gave birth was very difficult. I then recovered for more than a month. And six months later I found out that I was pregnant again. It became scary, but we decided to give birth. I didn’t even know what vertical childbirth was. The contractions went quickly and much easier than the first time. The attempts began, but the head did not come out. The doctor said, get up, kneel down, we will give birth standing. I held onto the headboard and did what I was told. It felt like the baby was coming out and going downstairs on her own. The kind of effort that I made the first time was not necessary at all. Now I recommend vertical birth to everyone who wants to easily give birth to a healthy baby. Of course, if there are no complications.

: Borovikova Olga

gynecologist, ultrasound doctor, geneticist

Currently, our Center offers courses on preparing for pregnancy and childbirth, as well as seminars on the upbringing and development of children from 0 to 5 years old and other services:

The course is preparation for pregnancy using the Ostrovskaya method.
Course program from 6 lessons , each of which lasts 3 hours.
Classes are held on weekends and weekdays in agreement with the group
It is advisable to complete this program at least three months before the expected conception.

The course - preparation for vertical childbirth, water birth and conventional childbirth consists of 26 lessons according to an individual plan.
Payment for the course can be made in installments.
Classes take place once or twice a week.
Gestational age at the start of classes it should be from 5 to 25 weeks

The course is preparation for vertical childbirth, water birth and conventional childbirth using the method of Professor Ostrovskaya.
Express course program of 8 or 5 lessons, each of which lasts 4 hours. Additional programs
Classes take place on weekends and weekdays as scheduled.
from 25 to 33-34 weeks

Mini course - preparation for vertical childbirth, water birth and conventional childbirth according to the method of Professor Ostrovskaya.
Express mini course program from 2, 3 or 4 lessons, each of which lasts up to 4 hours. Additional programs you can choose according to your desire and capabilities.
Classes take place 1-2 times a week by agreement with you.
The gestational age at the start of classes should be no more than 35-36 weeks

Vertical childbirth is considered an innovation, but in reality the situation is different. They are traditional and tested by many generations of people. It has become fashionable for women to give birth lying down because it is easier for doctors to monitor the process. But is this really necessary for mother and newborn?

Horizontal and vertical childbirth: which is better?

Lying on your back is believed to be the common method of childbirth. This option is convenient for the doctor and even for the woman in labor this position brings some comfort. But the main characters of the action are not the doctors, but the child and his mother. Therefore, it is important to take care of their health.

Giving birth lying on your back means experiencing certain disadvantages. The most popular are:

the woman feels more pain;
less oxygen reaches the baby;
the birth of the fetus is slow, sometimes stimulation is needed, which can harm the health of the woman and baby;
it takes more effort to push the newborn out;
The leaders are the medical staff, and the mother plays a secondary role in the process of giving birth to the baby.

Vertical childbirth causes injury in 1 case out of 100, and the need for dissection of the perineum occurs in 5 out of 100 women. If we compare with the indications of horizontal childbirth, the results are noticeable, since when a child is born in a horizontal position, 5 out of 100 women are injured, and 25 have ruptures.

Another advantage of giving birth while standing is the minimal risk of uterine infection and the low likelihood of large blood loss. It is worth noting the fact that when a woman gives birth while lying on her back, the uterus puts pressure on the spine and this interferes with normal blood circulation in the body. As a result, the expectant mother “demands” painkillers, which affect the child’s health.

Reviews about vertical childbirth are positive. Women who know how harmful it can be to give birth on their back are glad that this option exists. They are happy to go to the maternity hospital to see obstetricians who practice vertical birth. Vertical childbirth is popular all over the world.

Pros of vertical birth

Thanks to vertical childbirth, you can observe the following positive aspects:

minimum injuries in newborns;
complications occur 10 times less often (35% with traditional and only 3.3% with vertical);
children quickly regain weight loss;

neurological syndromes are rarely detected in children;
you can immediately put the newborn to the breast;
the baby receives enough oxygen during labor;
the likelihood of hypoxia and constriction of the vessels of the child’s body is reduced (prevention of ADHD and ailments in the nervous system);
the most natural position for a woman in labor;
correct fetal pressure on the birth canal.

If carrying the baby was carried out without complications, and pregnancy and childbirth do not cause discomfort, then the woman can give birth in an upright position.

Cons of vertical birth

This option for having a baby has both pros and cons. The main negative aspects of vertical childbirth are:

It is not easy for an obstetrician to monitor the progress of the fetus and the baby’s heartbeat;
the speed of birth of a child during repeated births, which creates the threat of birth trauma;
the woman will not be able to rest during the pause between contractions, so the process will drag on for hours;
a different chair is required than for horizontal childbirth (not all maternity hospitals have such equipment);

if the attempts are strong, a rupture of the cervix, perineum, or vagina is possible;
inability to administer anesthesia;
there are more people who want to give birth in an upright position than there are specialists who can provide this opportunity;
it is necessary to look in advance for an obstetrician who knows how to provide qualified care;
if something does not go according to the program and complications arise, it will be difficult to help the woman.

Due to the high risk of complications, not every doctor undertakes vertical birth after cesarean section. But this is possible if you find a qualified obstetrician.

Contraindications

Knowing the contraindications, you can protect your health from unnecessary stress. You should abandon the vertical pose if:

there are any complications;
high risk of hypoxia;
childbirth occurs prematurely;
breech presentation of the fetus;
narrow pelvis of a woman in labor;
low pain threshold;
the baby has a large head;
obstetric forceps must be used;
there are diseases of internal organs;
it is necessary to cut the perineum.

Not all medical institutions practice this method, so finding a suitable maternity hospital is not easy. For such a birth, preparation takes place in a special way: the woman is given an enema, the perineum is shaved, and everything that could interfere or cause irritation is removed.

How to prepare for vertical birth

Before giving birth, you need to learn to relax your muscles and breathe correctly. Pain prepares the muscles for involuntary tension. To relax, you can sit on a fitball and perform pelvic rotations. Thanks to them, muscle tone goes away and strong painful sensations are dulled. It would not be superfluous to consult with a gynecologist and choose “your” obstetrician and maternity hospital in advance.

You can give birth to a baby at home, but then you need to invite an experienced doctor and solve the bureaucratic nuances. The obstetrician must know how such childbirth takes place in theory and in practice. The stages of vertical childbirth are no different from traditional ones, the only difference is in the position of the woman in labor and her sensations:

Dilatation of the cervix. A woman should feel free; if she wants to sit on a special chair, then let her sit, and if walking brings relief, then let her walk. Then the opening occurs gently and contractions do not bring much pain.
Birth of the fetus. The expectant mother sits in a chair, kneels or is in a semi-squatting position. A woman independently chooses which position is most comfortable for her. The second stage lasts longer than during horizontal labor, but it is better, from a physiological point of view, for the child and the woman. Vertical poses must be prepared in advance.
Delivery of the placenta takes less time.

What positions are suitable for vertical childbirth?

There is no perfect posture, but there are some good body placement options:

squatting;
standing on your feet;
squatting with the support of a man;
on the knees and elbows;
half sitting;
standing on hands and feet;
sitting.

The most popular pose is squatting. But it is better if a woman independently selects the appropriate option, based on individual feelings.

Chair for vertical childbirth

No complex equipment is needed. They give birth both in a special chair and without it. If the mother’s level of physical fitness is below average or the woman is worried and afraid, then it is most convenient to give birth in a chair (there the mother will receive support and support for pushing). You can rest your hands on it and comfortably place your legs, and a special recess will create comfortable conditions for placing the pelvis of a woman in labor. As a result, it is easier for the child to pass through the birth canal.

Not every maternity hospital offers vertical birth. To give birth with benefits for the health of mother and child, it is necessary to look for a doctor and a medical facility several months before the important event. Such a maternity hospital requires the presence of a chair for vertical childbirth and a fitball (exercising on it will relieve muscle tension).

It is important that the woman takes an active position, then she herself will choose a comfortable position and will be able to adequately influence contractions. As a result, the expectant mother will not experience strong fear, which will relieve tension and create conditions for the most comfortable childbirth. Correct pressure of the baby's head on the uterus and its cervix reduces labor time, and the uterine os opens efficiently and quickly.

How does the baby come out?

When the woman in labor is sitting or standing, the fetus moves smoothly along the birth canal. As a result, the risk of injury is reduced for the child and woman. Thanks to vertical childbirth, the first stage of the baby’s birth is several hours shorter than with horizontal labor. The woman feels less pain, so there is no need to use unhealthy painkillers. The baby moves easily through the birth canal and requires minimal effort. The amount of blood loss is also reduced.

Today, vertical birth is not a common practice. Most women do not know that this option for having children exists. Many people think that giving birth lying on your back is the correct and only true option, but once you understand this topic a little, women are increasingly choosing to give birth in an upright position.