t is more common for women in both high- and low-income countries giving birth in health facilities, to l abour in bed. There is noevidence that this is associated with any advantage for women or babies, although it may be more convenient for staff. Observationalstudies have suggested that if women lie on their backs during labour this may have adverse e ffects on uterine contractions and impedeprogre ss in labour, and in some women reduce placental blood flow