Squatting often occurs faster than other types of birthing, because the squatting position widens the pelvis more than other positions, and relaxes the muscles in the region, making it easier for the baby to exit.
This delivery is only for women who have had a healthy pregnancy and the baby is turned upside down. Another advantage of squatting is that it can be performed under epidural anesthesia and you can have a companion of your choice, be it the companion or a doula.
Pregnant women who wish to have a confined birth should invest in this position during pregnancy, so that the muscles and hip can become accustomed and gradually widen to facilitate labor.
Advantages of Squatting
The main advantages of squatting are:
- Less labor time because it is aided by gravity;
- Possibility to move freely during labor;
- Less pain throughout the delivery;
- Minor trauma to the perineum;
- Better use of the force that is made for the exit of the baby;
- Better blood circulation in the uterus and placenta allows a greater performance of both the uterine contractions and the health of the baby.
In addition, the squatting position promotes a greater expansion of the pelvis, making the baby leave more easily.
Contraindications to squatting
Squatting is contraindicated in case of:
- Baby not with head down;
- Not having reached 10 cm of dilation of the birth canal;
- Pregnancy at risk or high risk;
- Very large baby (more than 4 kg);
- Use of spinal anesthesia, which blocks the movement of the legs, not allowing the woman to adopt the position of squatting.
In order for this delivery to be successful, it is important for the woman to be healthy, to have had pregnancy-related illnesses, to have her legs strengthened sufficiently and to have good flexibility so that the position can be easily supported. In addition, it is recommended that the woman be anesthetized with a type of epidural anesthesia that allows her to move her legs.
