Written By: Fakiha Zaidi

For generations, women gave birth in upright positions standing, squatting, or kneeling using gravity and movement to help their babies descend with ease. Modern hospital births often changed this natural pattern, but research now reminds us that upright positions offer many advantages for both mother and baby.
As Muslims, we also find a beautiful example of this in the Qur’an.
When Maryam (Mary), peace be upon her, went into labor, the Qur’an describes her leaning on the trunk of a palm tree, an upright supported position. This story reflects the natural design of birth. It reminds us that even the most exemplary birth story was not on a hospital bed, but in an upright, active posture.
Modern science beautifully aligns with this wisdom.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women should be encouraged to move freely and adopt positions of their choice during labor, as upright positions have been shown to improve birth outcomes.
Research from the Cochrane Database (2017) also found that upright positions during the first stage of labor can shorten labor by about one hour and reduce the chances of cesarean or assisted birth.
The WHO further recommends that women in labor “be encouraged to adopt any position they find comfortable,” and that “supine (lying flat) positions should be avoided whenever possible.”
The upright position refers to postures where the body is aligned vertically rather than lying flat. These include:
  • Standing or walking
  • Sitting on a birthing ball
  • Squatting
  • Kneeling or leaning forward while upright
These positions allow gravity to assist the baby’s descent and encourage optimal fetal positioning. They also support the natural progress of labor by helping contractions become more efficient and comfortable.
Every woman’s body is beautifully designed for birth. Yet in many hospital settings, lying on the back has become the “normal” position. The truth is, your body works best when it’s allowed to move and follow its own rhythm.

Here are some proven benefits of upright positions:

  1. Shorter labor: Gravity helps the baby move down, often reducing the duration of labor.
  2. Less need for interventions: Such as forceps, vacuum, or cesarean.
  3. Better oxygen supply: Improved blood flow benefits both mother and baby.
  4. Less pain: Movement and upright posture can relieve back pain and discomfort.
  5. Improved fetal positioning: Encourages the baby to align properly for birth.
Some mothers worry that hospital setups make upright positions difficult. But with the right support, it’s absolutely possible. Small adjustments such as using a birth ball, leaning on a partner, or requesting wireless monitoring can make a big difference.
A supportive birth team, whether it includes a doula, midwife, or partner, can encourage and assist you in finding positions that bring comfort and progress.