The study was designed to analyse reproductive performance, piglet losses, their growth and sow health based on length of confinement in farrowing crates. Five groups of sows (n = 24 per group) were assigned. Group A was housed freely throughout the period in farrowing house. Group B was confined from day 115 of gestation until two days postpartum. Group C was confined from day 115 of gestation until four days postpartum. Group D was confined from day 115 of gestation until six days postpartum Group E was crated throughout the stay in farrowing pen. Parameters of reproductive performance were not affected by length of confinement. Confinement duration had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on piglet crushing. Groups C, D, and E had the fewest piglets crushed by the sow. Most piglets were crushed within first two days, most frequently in group A (p < 0.01). The sow confinement duration affected the piglet growth. The highest weaning weight was found in group A (p < 0.01), litter weaning weight in groups A and B (p = 0.05) and the highest daily gain was recorded in group A (p < 0.001). Assessment of sow health based on evaluation of skin lesions, lameness and shoulder ulcers showed no effect of confinement duration. In conclusion, free movement of sows in the farrowing pen increases piglet losses, but improves piglet growth.