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Is it safe to use a squat toilet during pregnancy?

Yes. But, if you are not in the habit of using a squat toilet you may want to check with your doctor first.

Squat toilets are often believed to be more hygienic than sit-down toilets. Some find that squatting helps make passing stools faster, easier and more complete. Squatting may also help prevent constipation and haemorrhoids.

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Some childbirth experts not only say that it is safe for pregnant women to squat, but also recommend it. This is because it is believed that regular squatting helps strengthen the abdominal and thigh muscles and prepares your body for natural labour. The squatting position is considered to be the natural position for labour and delivery.

If you use a squat toilet during your pregnancy, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Check that the toilet is clean and dry, especially in public places.

  • Wear supportive footwear with skid proof soles to prevent slipping.

  • Make sure your bathroom is ventilated and well-lit. Install emergency lighting in case of a power failure, or always keep a torch within your reach in the bathroom.

  • If you are uncomfortable squatting with a growing belly, install specially designed angled rails and handles on the wall next to the toilet bowl. These rails are ideal for support when you rise from a squatting position.

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  • Try not to strain when passing stools. If you suffer from constipation, talk to your doctor.

  • Some families use a 'pedestal squat toilet' which has a dual toilet seat that can be used in the squatting as well as the sitting position. While sitting on this seat is considered safe, you need to climb to an higher surface to get into the squatting position. This often makes a pedestal squat toilet uncomfortable to use as pregnancy progresses.

Listen to your body. If you have any pain, dizziness, unusual symptoms or pregnancy complications speak to your doctor first.

Reviewed by Dr Ashwini Nabar, BabyCenter India's expert obstetrician and gynaecologist.

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organisations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

Dimmer C, Martin B, Reeves N, Sullivan F. Squatting for the prevention of hemorrhoids. Townsend Lett Doc Patients 1996;159:66-70

Laney DW Jr, Balistreri WF. The gastrointestinal tract and liver. Constipation. In: Rudolph AM, Kamei RK, eds. Rudolph's Fundamentals of pediatrics. 2d ed. Stamford, Conn.: Appleton & Lange, 1998:399–405.

Lam, T. C. F., Islam, et al. (1993), Does squatting reduce pelvic floor descent during defaecation?. Aust. N.Z. J. Surg., 63: 172–174. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1993.tb00512.xOpens a new window

Russell JGB. Moulding of the pelvic outlet. J Obstet Gynaec Brit Cwlth 1969;76:817-20)

Yang, J.-M. and Huang, W.-C. (2004), Sonographic findings in acute urinary retention secondary to retroverted gravid uterus: pathophysiology and preventive measures. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 23: 490–495. doi: 10.1002/uog.1039

Diane Rai
Diane Rai is BabyCenter India's Editor.
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