Why Birthing on Your Back Is Bad?

During childbirth the baby moves down towards the coccycx, which has a natural curve up. When squatting, this flexes and moves as your baby makes its way down the birth canal. 'Lying on your back whilst giving birth decreases contractions,' says Natasha.

Is giving birth on your back bad for you?

Unless there is a medical reason to do it, lying on your back is not recommended in the first stage of labour because it can reduce blood supply to your baby and potentially lead to a longer labour.

Why can't you lay on your back during labor?

You may want to get used to a new sleep position now, since you shouldn't sleep on your back after 20 weeks of pregnancy. When you lie belly-up, the weight of your uterus can compress a major blood vessel, called the vena cava. This disrupts blood flow to your baby and leaves you nauseated, dizzy, and short of breath.