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

Pro

0

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

This study found that when first-time moms pushed on their side without holding their breath, they felt less pain and tiredness, and their babies were fine — and just as many had C-sections as when they pushed lying down and held their breath. So, pushing naturally doesn’t make C-sections more likely.

Contradicting (0)

0

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No contradicting evidence found

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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 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

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

76%