Birth in a horizontal position is not the natural way of giving birth to the human species, but vertical postures are, for example, squatting. For their advantages, It is one of the positions chosen by women because it is one of the most natural and least bothersome.
It is a position that biped mammals instinctively adopt when giving birth to their young, alternating it with the standing and kneeling posture.
Unlike the supine position (lying down), the vertical postures are more physiological, because they allow women to have greater control of their body and greater freedom of movement during the dilation and expulsion phase.
Let's see, then, the advantages of squatting.
Advantages of squatting
The force of gravity helps: being a vertical posture takes advantage of the force of gravity of approximately 4 kg, causing the effort of the bid to decrease.
The uterus aligns better: The posture allows the diameter of the pelvis to be enlarged more (1 to 2 cm) and more easily. The baby's head aligns better by shortening the period of dilation and labor, both in primiparous and multiparous women.
The contractions are more effective: The position naturally favors the pressure of the fetus on the cervix, which adds to the pressure of uterine contractions making them more effective. In addition, this pressure favors the elasticity of the perinal tissues, reducing the need for episiotomies.
Pain relief: Relieves pain sensation by decreasing compression of the sacral plexus, located in the back of the pelvis. This reduces lumbar discomfort and the pain of contractions. In addition, more endorphins are released, which provide peace of mind and help calm the pain.
The baby is more oxygenated: the blood vessels of the pelvis do not suffer the compression they suffer in horizontal delivery, improving the mother's circulation and, therefore, the baby's heart rate.
Active participation of women: the woman feels participant in the birth of the baby. The vertical posture allows you to see how your baby is born "connecting" with your arrival.
Disadvantages of squatting
Although giving birth in a squatting position has more advantages than disadvantages, and without a doubt it favors the birth of the baby more than the horizontal position, there are some disadvantages associated with this posture.
Possibility of increased postpartum hemorrhage
Highest percentage of tears: There is a higher incidence of grade II tears in women who have not given birth. However, the pressure can be counteracted by combining the squatting position with other positions.
There is no ideal position to give birth, but each woman has to choose the one that is most comfortable at all times. But the vertical positions, and between them, squatting seems to have important advantages at the time of giving birth.
