Why do women lay down to give birth?

“The main reason people give birth in that position is because it’s comfortable, and they can get their legs in a good position to help open their pelvis to give the baby lots of space,” says Dr Elder.

Why do women give birth in a lying down position? “The main reason people give birth in that position is because it’s comfortable, and they can get their legs in a good position to help open their pelvis to give the baby lots of space,” says Dr Elder.

Why do women give birth on their back? X-rays have shown that the pelvic outlet becomes wider when squatting or on your hands and knees, which helps to shorten labor. The evidence largely suggests that lying on your back during birth prolongs labor, and slows contractions, yet the majority of women in the US give birth in this position.

Why did women start giving birth in the bed? In 1598, the French surgeon Jacques Guillemeau first advocated for a reclining birthing bed supposedly for labor and for comfort. However, this bed would not have women lie back completely. Women actually started giving birth while lying down more frequently in the 17 th century.

Who was the first person to give birth lying down? It is reported that, knowing the king was a fan of the lying position, the lower classes began to adopt the practice to follow suit. François Mauriceau, a French obstetrician, has also been credited with popularising the lying position.