Standing vs. Squatting Positions During Labor

Biruni University82 enrolled

Overview

Background: Maternal position during labor is a key non-pharmacological strategy that supports physiological birth and women's active participation in the childbirth process. Although upright positions have been associated with favorable labor outcomes compared with supine positions, evidence directly comparing different upright positions-particularly in relation to maternal birth experience and perceived traumatic birth-remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of standing and squatting positions during the first stage of labor on the birth process, birth comfort, pain intensity, and perceived traumatic birth experience among multiparous women. Methods: This study was conducted using a comparative interventional design. A total of 82 multiparous women were included and allocated to either the standing group (n=41) or the squatting group (n=41) during labor. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Labor Comfort Scale, and the Traumatic Birth Perception Scale. Outcomes were assessed during labor and within the first two hours postpartum. Statistical analyses included comparative and correlation analyses.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Labor Position and Maternal Birth Experience

Standing Position During LaborBEHAVIORAL

Women were encouraged to remain standing or to walk during contraction-related pain episodes throughout the first stage of labor under midwife supervision.

Squatting Position During LaborBEHAVIORAL

Women were encouraged to assume the squatting position during contractions during the first stage of labor, supported by a birthing ball or bed rails according to preference.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Multiparous women aged ≥18 years * Gestational age between 38 and 42 weeks * Singleton pregnancy with cephalic presentation * Cervical dilatation ≥4 cm at admission * Low-risk pregnancy * Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Multiple pregnancy * Presentation anomalies * High-risk pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta-related complications) * Fetal distress or known fetal anomalies * Any medical or obstetric condition requiring restricted mobility during labor

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Total Labor Duration

Total duration of labor measured in hours.

Time frame: From active labor onset (cervical dilatation ≥4 cm) to delivery

Birth Duration

Duration of the birth process measured in minutes.

Time frame: From the active phase of labor to birth