NCT07383181

Standing vs. Squatting Positions During Labor

The Effect of Standing and Squatting Positions During the First Stage of Labor on Birth Process, Birth Comfort, and Perceived Traumatic Birth Experience Among Multiparous Women

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 82 (actual)
• Sponsor: Biruni University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Background: Maternal position during labor is a key non-pharmacological strategy that supports physiological birth and women's active participation in the childbirth process. Although upright positions have been associated with favorable labor outcomes compared with supine positions, evidence directly comparing different upright positions-particularly in relation to maternal birth experience and perceived traumatic birth-remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of standing and squatting positions during the first stage of labor on the birth process, birth comfort, pain intensity, and perceived traumatic birth experience among multiparous women. Methods: This study was conducted using a comparative interventional design. A total of 82 multiparous women were included and allocated to either the standing group (n=41) or the squatting group (n=41) during labor. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Labor Comfort Scale, and the Traumatic Birth Perception Scale. Outcomes were assessed during labor and within the first two hours postpartum. Statistical analyses included comparative and correlation analyses.

Conditions

• Labor Position and Maternal Birth Experience

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Standing Position During Labor	Women were encouraged to remain standing or to walk during contraction-related pain episodes throughout the first stage of labor under midwife supervision.
BEHAVIORAL	Squatting Position During Labor	Women were encouraged to assume the squatting position during contractions during the first stage of labor, supported by a birthing ball or bed rails according to preference.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-01
• Primary completion: 2025-10-30
• Completion: 2025-10-30
• First posted: 2026-02-03
• Last updated: 2026-02-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)