Birth from ancient Egypt — Visualizing Birth
Squatting
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Human beings before the invention of chair-like toilets evacuated waste in the squatting position. When giving birth, squatting is believed to be a healthier option because it aligns the rectum and anus in a near vertical position.
There are illustrations of women squatting to give birth among some ancient African tribes like the
Egyptian carving above, where the woman is squatting to push. Her knees are closer together and she is seen bracing herself on helpers and a furniture for support.
Health experts to date say squatting opens the outlet of the pelvis to enable easier passage of the baby and prevent perineal tears. Some women argue that squatting enables them to push with the right muscles.
Women in ancient times often squatted while working in the fields, hence this position generally gave them a much quicker and easier birth.
