When first-time moms push naturally while lying on their side during childbirth, it takes about 12 minutes longer than pushing while lying on their back with forced breath-holding—but it doesn’t make C-sections or baby problems more likely.

49

Pro

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Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

49

Community contributions welcome

49

Spontaneous Pushing in Lateral Position versus Valsalva Maneuver During Second Stage of Labor on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2016 Oct

When first-time moms push naturally while lying on their side instead of holding their breath and pushing lying on their back, labor takes about 12 minutes longer — but it’s easier on mom and just as safe for the baby.

Contradicting (0)

0

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No contradicting evidence found

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According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

Spontaneous Pushing in Lateral Position versus Valsalva Maneuver During Second Stage of Labor on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Score: 49

DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.29279

Similar Assertions

When giving birth for the first time, whether a mom pushes naturally while lying on her side or uses a forceful breath-holding technique while lying on her back doesn't seem to change how likely she is to need a C-section.

49

0

83%

When women are giving birth for the first time and pushing during labor, pushing naturally while lying on their side may hurt less and feel less tiring than pushing hard while lying on their back.

49

0

79%

When women give birth for the first time, pushing naturally while lying on their side doesn't hurt the baby's health or oxygen levels any more than pushing hard while lying on their back.

49

0

70%