3.4. Position of the woman during the second stage of labor
The delivery facility should have adequate space, equipment, and
skilled care providers for the woman to deliver in a position of her
choice, including upright positions (Fig. 1, Fig. 2.) [9,10]. Unfortunately,
inappropriate medical and midwifery teaching and habit have
meant that many women are made to deliver lying flat on their
backs with their feet in stirrups (Fig. 3). This position reduces
uteroplacental blood flow, can contribute to fetal distress, and provides
no mechanical advantage to enhance descent