The nurse is discussing the stages of labor with a group of women in the last month of pregnancy and provides examples of different positional techniques used during the second stage of labor. Which position should the nurse address that provides the best advantage of gravity during delivery?

• A. Walking.
• B. Squatting.
• C. Kneeling.
• D. Lithotomy.

Answer: (B)

In the second stage of labor, gravity plays a big role in helping the baby descend through the birth canal. The position that best takes advantage of gravity is squatting. Squatting tilts the pelvis forward and flexes the hips, which widens the pelvic outlet and aligns the birth canal with the fetal head. With more space and the baby positioned to move downward, contractions and the mother’s pushing efforts combine more effectively to progress descent and delivery.

Other positions don’t maximize this gravitational advantage as much. Lying on the back (lithotomy) narrows the outlet and makes gravity less helpful, while walking or kneeling offers some benefit but not the same level of outlet widening and alignment as squatting.