A–Z Glossary

Aorto-caval compression

Aorto-caval compression occurs when the pregnant uterus presses on major blood vessels, especially during prolonged flat-on-the-back positioning.

← Back to A–Z Glossary

Search results for: Aorto-caval compression

Using gravity squatting and position changes in labor

Using gravity squatting and position changes in labor

How gravity helps during birth Gravity is one of the simplest forces available during labor, but it works best when understood realistically. In upright birthing positions, the long axis of the uterus, the fetus, and the birth canal may align in a way that encourages fetal descent through the pelvis. This does not mean gravity […]

Why flexibility matters and adapting during labor

Why flexibility matters and adapting during labor

Labor is a responsive physiologic process Flexibility matters because labor is dynamic rather than linear. Uterine contractions, cervical effacement, cervical dilation, fetal descent, and maternal coping do not always progress at the same pace. A person may feel strong and mobile early in active labor, then need quiet, side-lying rest during transition. A fetus may […]

Common mistakes in birth positions

Common mistakes in birth positions

Treating the bed as the default place for labor One of the most common mistakes in birth positions is assuming that labor should mainly happen in bed. Hospital rooms are often arranged around the bed, monitors, intravenous lines, and clinician access, so lying down can feel like the expected behavior even when it is not […]

How to find best position for you

How to find best position for you

Start with a flexible definition of best The best position for you is the position that supports labor physiology, protects safety, and feels tolerable in that moment. In birth, this may change repeatedly. A position can be excellent for coping with contractions during early labor and completely wrong once the baby descends lower or the […]

Side-lying position during labor explained

Side-lying position during labor explained

What the side-lying position is The side-lying position during labor means resting on one side rather than lying flat on the back, sitting upright, kneeling, or standing. The lower leg may be slightly bent, while the upper leg is usually flexed at the hip and knee. That upper leg can rest on pillows, a peanut […]

Changing positions during pushing stage

Changing positions during pushing stage

Why position matters in the pushing stage During the second stage of labor, the baby must rotate, descend, and navigate the pelvis while the uterus and abdominal muscles generate downward force. A change in position alters the direction of that force, the angle of the pelvis, and the amount of work required from the mother. […]

Positions to reduce labor pain

Positions to reduce labor pain

Why position can change labor pain Labor pain has several overlapping sources: uterine contractions, cervical stretching, pressure on pelvic tissues, fetal descent, and sometimes sacral or lumbar nerve irritation. Because these sensations are transmitted from different areas, changing posture can shift the mechanical load and alter how intense or localized the pain feels. A position […]

Positions that reduce pressure and fatigue

Positions that reduce pressure and fatigue

Why pressure builds during labor and recovery Pressure is the force created when body weight rests on a surface for a sustained period. During labor and early postpartum recovery, this often concentrates over bony prominences such as the sacrum, coccyx, greater trochanters at the hips, heels, elbows, and shoulder blades. The perineum and vulvar tissues […]