Benefits of Labor and Birth in an upright position

by Talena Cawthon

12/12/2023

When you're in labor, it can help to be upright. Being upright instead of horizontal or reclined increases blood flow to the uterus, making contractions more effective. The same is true for birth; having a baby requires lots of blood flow and the best way to get that blood flowing is to stand up. In fact, one study found that women who stood or walked during labor had decreased pain and anxiety and were able to have their babies sooner than those who stayed in bed for the whole labor process.