When you are free to move and choose comfortable upright positions in labor such as standing, walking, kneeling, sitting or squatting there are many advantages:

Better progress
Reclining positions oppose gravity, and the resulting resistance makes contractions less efficient. Being upright helps you cope better. There is a much better blood supply to the placenta when you are upright, compared to lying down. When you are upright and leaning forward, there is no compression of the internal blood vessels, your baby receives plenty of oxygen and will cope better with the labor and birth. Having an Active Birth is a way to reduce the need for medical interventions.



More effective contractions
The weight of your baby’s head and body puts even pressure on the cervix and promotes dilation. This may result in a shorter labor. In reclining positions there is less pressure on cervix and can result in slower dilation. When you are upright the back wall of your pelvis (the sacrum) is free to move. It has a slight pivotal action which allows the pelvic canal to widen and adjust to the shape of the baby's head as is descends.

Maximum space for your baby
In upright positions, where you are not resting your weight on your sacrum, your pelvis can open to its widest. The space available for your baby to be born through the pelvic outlet is up to 28 percent wider than it is in a reclining position.

More power
Aided by gravity the uterus can exert maximum force making bearing down more efficient and shortening the second stage.

You and your baby in optimal condition
Minimal or no use of medical interventions reduces the risk of common side effects, so that your baby is alert and responsive at birth. You are both full of natural hormones which promote bonding and attachment. The baby is better able to breastfeed right after birth and more alert. The baby's ability to breastfeed soon after birth will stimulate the uterus to contract and prevent excessive bleeding.

You and your partner
Partners are often actively involved in giving both emotional and physical support during an active birth. This sharing of the birth experience can be very fulfilling and memorable and is a good start to becoming a parent and beginning your life together as a new family. It is a great achievement to bring a new baby into the world. Many women feel that it was one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences they have ever had.

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