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Related Concept Videos

Anatomical Positions01:11

Anatomical Positions

In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Anatomical Movements00:51

Anatomical Movements

Anatomical movements refer to the various actions or motions that can be performed by the body's joints and muscles. These movements are described using specific terms to provide a standardized way of discussing and understanding the range of motion at different joints.
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist, metacarpophalangeal,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Electromyometrial Imaging of Uterine Contractions in Pregnant Women
08:07

Electromyometrial Imaging of Uterine Contractions in Pregnant Women

Published on: May 26, 2023

Maternal positions and mobility during first stage labour.

Annemarie Lawrence1, Lucy Lewis, G Justus Hofmeyr

  • 1Institute of Women's and Children's Health (15), Townsville Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, Queensland, Australia, 4810. annemarie_lawrence@health.qld.gov.au

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|April 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Encouraging upright positions during the first stage of labor can shorten labor duration by about an hour. This practice also reduces the likelihood of needing epidural analgesia, without negatively impacting maternal or infant outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Perinatal Care
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • Maternal positioning during labor is often dictated by healthcare provider convenience rather than evidence.
  • Recumbent positions, particularly supine, may adversely affect labor progress and maternal-fetal well-being.
  • Limited evidence exists on the benefits of upright versus recumbent labor positions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the effects of upright labor positions compared to recumbent positions on labor duration, delivery type, and maternal/infant outcomes.
  • To evaluate the impact of encouraging women to adopt various upright positions (walking, sitting, standing, kneeling) versus recumbent positions (supine, semi-recumbent, lateral).

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials was conducted.
  • Searches were performed using the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register.
  • Data extraction, quality assessment, and analysis were performed independently by at least two review authors.

Main Results:

  • The review included 21 studies with 3706 women.
  • Upright positions were associated with a shorter first stage of labor (approximately 1 hour shorter) and reduced epidural analgesia use.
  • No significant differences were observed in the second stage of labor, mode of delivery, or maternal/infant well-being outcomes between position groups.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence supports that upright positions, including walking, shorten the first stage of labor without increasing interventions or adverse effects.
  • Women should be empowered to choose labor positions that they find most comfortable.
  • Further research is needed on maternal satisfaction across different positions.