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Birthing is a profound experience that leaves a lasting mark on a mother’s life. How it is approached can significantly impact both the mother’s and baby’s health and well-being. Disturbingly, recent data from The Harris Poll’s 3rd Annual State of Maternal Health In America report reveals a gap in awareness and education regarding optimal birthing positions, which can make a significant difference in the childbirth experience. Following birth, experts prioritize infant health and preach “back is best” for babies’ safe sleep, but it begs the question, why is there not more emphasis on both babies’ and mothers’ safety during the birthing process?
A Surprising Gap in Awareness On Birthing Positions
A staggering 68% of women, including 66% who are/have been pregnant, are unaware that lying flat on the back during labor and delivery can reduce the blood supply to the baby. This traditional position, while common, is not always the best or safest choice, and could potentially lead to longer birthing/pushing and other complications[1].
The Benefits of Upright Birthing Positions
Conversely, only half of women (50%), including 54% who are/have been pregnant, understand that birthing in an upright position can benefit both the baby and mother. These benefits are not minor; being upright utilizes gravity to aid in the progression of labor, potentially shortening the duration of labor, contributing to better oxygen supply to the baby, and reducing the need for interventions such as forceps, vacuum deliveries, episiotomies, and epidurals. Furthermore, with potentially improved labor progress and shorter labor, birthing upright could indirectly lower the chances of a C-section due to prolonged labor[2].
A Lack of Proactive Discussion About Birthing Positions
The data also show a critical communication gap between healthcare providers and pregnant women: only half of women who have been pregnant and saw an OBGYN or midwife (50%) report that their healthcare provider proactively discussed birthing positions with them. Worse still, only about 3 in 10 (29%) say they discussed options other than the traditional supine (lying on the back) position, and less than 1 in 5 (19%) were informed about upright positions like standing, squatting, and kneeling.
Younger women, ages 18-44, who have been pregnant are more likely to report that their providers proactively discussed birthing positions with them (71% vs. 38% 45+), including positions other than on their back (50% vs. 18% ages 45+), and upright positions specifically (34% vs. 9%), suggesting a slow but positive trend towards better communication. However, the numbers remain uncomfortably low across the board.
Real Experience: Embracing Upright Birthing Positions May Be On The Rise
The impact of this lack of information is reflected in women’s childbirth experiences: while three-quarters of women who have been pregnant (75%) have given birth on their back, only 36% have delivered in other positions, and just 17% in an upright position. Younger women who have been pregnant are more likely to have used positions other than on their back (52% ages 18-44 vs. 27% ages 45+), specifically upright (30% ages 18-44 vs. 10% ages 45+), suggesting that better education and proactive discussions from providers on birthing positions increases the chance of using a position other than on your back.
The Need for Better Birthing Position Education
This data clearly indicates a need for better education and resources regarding birthing positions. Over half of women who have been pregnant (54%) feel they didn’t receive sufficient information on birthing positions, or any at all, from their healthcare providers. Enhancing this aspect of prenatal care could not only empower women but also potentially lead to better birth outcomes.
Moving Forward: A Call for Action to Improve the Birth Experience
Addressing this gap requires concerted efforts from both healthcare systems and providers. More than 1 in 4 women who have been pregnant say more knowledge on birthing positions (26%) and better education on labor and delivery (27%) would have made their birth experience easier/better.
Healthcare providers should be encouraged to proactively discuss birthing positions with their pregnant patients during prenatal visits and explore various options beyond the traditional supine approach. Educational programs need to be enhanced, ensuring all pregnant women have access to the full spectrum of information about birthing positions and their impacts.
In conclusion, as we continue to strive for improvements in maternal health care, it is essential to focus on educating both healthcare providers and expectant mothers about all aspects of childbirth, including birthing positions. Armed with knowledge and support from proactive healthcare professionals, women can have more agency over their childbirth experiences, leading to safer and more positive outcomes.
For more on maternal healthcare, revisit our last blog: The Silent Struggle: Calling for Improved Maternal Mental Health & Postpartum Care
Survey method: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll April 23-28, 2025 among 4,170 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 2,370 are women, of which 1,597 are/have been pregnant and 1,583 have given birth. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact our team.
[1] Alternative Birthing Positions Compared to the Conventional Position in the Second Stage of Labor: A Review
[2] Benefits and risks of upright positions during the second stage of labour: An overview of systematic reviews
