Although fetal monitoring may confine you to bed, lying on your back for delivery can have many disadvantages: - you have to work harder pushing the baby uphill; - pain may be greater in this position than in a vertical one; - the tissues of the birth canal may be slow to open and be stimulated by the descending baby, thus possibly prolonging labour; - there is a greater need for an episiotomy; - there may be an increased chance of a forceps delivery; - it inhibits spontaneous delivery of the placenta; - there is a greater possibility of lower back strain. Slow Deliveries What is considered to be ...