Squatting births generally go faster than other types of births, as the squatting position widens the pelvis more than other positions, in addition to relaxing the muscles in the region, making it easier for the baby to come out.
This birth is only recommended for women who have had a healthy pregnancy and the baby is facing head down. Another advantage of a squatting birth is that it can be carried out under the effect of epidural anesthesia and can be attended by a companion, such as a partner or a doula.
Pregnant women who wish to have a squatting birth should invest in this position during pregnancy, so that the muscles and hips can adapt and expand little by little, to facilitate labor.
Advantages of squatting birth
The main advantages of giving birth in a squatting position are:
- Shorter labor time as it is assisted by gravity;
- Possibility to move freely during labor;
- Less pain throughout the birth;
- Less trauma to the perineum;
- Better use of the force used to deliver the baby;
- Better blood circulation in the region of the uterus and placenta, allowing better performance of both uterine contractions and the baby’s health.
Furthermore, the squatting position promotes greater expansion of the pelvis, making the baby come out more easily.
Conditions for giving birth to cockroaches
For this birth to be carried out successfully, it is important that the woman is healthy, has not had any illnesses related to pregnancy, has her legs strong enough and has good flexibility so that the position can be supported easily.
Furthermore, it is recommended that the woman be anesthetized with a type of epidural anesthesia that allows her to move her legs. Find out what an epidural is, when it is recommended and what the risks are.
When it is not advised
Squatting birth is contraindicated in situations where the baby is not head down, where the birth canal is not dilated to 10 centimeters, when the pregnancy is at risk or high risk, when the baby is very large (more than 4 kg), or in cases where spinal anesthesia is administered, which blocks the movement of the legs, preventing the woman from adopting a squatting position.
