Maternal position during labor and birth: a reassessment.

The traditional dorsal position for labor and birth is a relatively recent innovation, and distinct disadvantages have been cited. The lateral position and the upright position have been found to improve the quality of uterine contractions. The upright position, in addition, appears to result in shorter, more comfortable labors than the other positions. Women need to be educated as to the benefits of alternative positions and mobility and should be assisted to assume these more physiological postures during parturition.