[mef51]

I've heard a few times now that giving birth while lying on the back is a relatively modern invention and that for most of history women adopted squatting or leaning forward positions.[1] And that the back position is actually much more painful. How much does laying on the back increase the pain to the point where an epidural is necessary? Is it still necessary in the other positions?

disclaimer: I know nothing about this

[1] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260401-women-were-never...

[jvvw]

Anecdotally from personal experience (gave birth to one child on back, the other in a squatting position, didn't have an epidural for either), the pain didn't depend on position - very painful both times! But pushing felt much much easier squatting than on my back.

The hospital only had two rooms suitably equipped for giving birth in a squatting position, so I was lucky to get one second time.

[eblume]

When you've been given an epidural, you are generally required to be in a bed. (This doesn't answer your question, but I think it is relevant.)

[chrismorgan]

My wife works at a leading private maternity hospital in India. I can’t yet report from personal experience, but my wife says that epidurals are normal procedure, and per the hospital’s published statistics, about 90% choosing to give birth propped up or squatting (this figure excludes C-sections, water births, and complicated cases), which implies not being in a bed for at least the last part.