Vertical birth: upright positions for labor

What vertical birth means

Vertical birth refers to labor and delivery in a position other than lying flat on your back. Options include standing, squatting, kneeling, sitting on a birth stool, or leaning on the bed or a support person. Many US hospitals and birth centers allow these positions when you and your baby are stable.

Possible benefits

• Gravity may help the baby move down through the birth canal.
• Upright positions may ease pressure on your back and tailbone.
• Many people find it easier to move around and coordinate breathing with contractions.
• Many people feel more involved and in control during labor.

When another position may be advised

Some conditions or situations can make upright positions less practical or less safe. Your provider may suggest lying down or another position if:

• You have bleeding or a placenta problem.
• An epidural or other medical need makes it hard to stand or move safely.
• Your baby needs continuous electronic fetal monitoring.
• Your care team is closely watching another medical condition.

Because vertical birth is a labor topic, you do not need to decide now. Later in pregnancy, talk with your OB-GYN or midwife about your birth preferences and which positions your hospital allows.

Learn more

• NIH: Pregnancy (NICHD)
• CDC: Pregnancy

General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.