These eight active positions can help relieve the pain you’re feeling in every stage of your labour, making the delivery of your little one that little bit easier. You’ve got this!
8 positions to ease labour pains
Different positions may help labour progress faster and relieve pain
A study found that women who walked or stayed upright during early and active labour reduced their labour time by about an hour
Note for the birthing partner: Listen to the labouring mother and follow her lead
#1: Butterfly pose
Good for the first stage of labour
This pose gently stretches the pelvic floor and inner thighs
And can be done with an epidural
#2: Rocking cat
Good for any stage of labour (including pushing)
Being on all fours during active labour and pushing may turn a faceup baby facedown for an easier delivery
This is a good position for your partner to give you a back massage or to apply pressure on your lower back
#3: Supported squat
Good for active labour
Your partner holds you under your arms so you can rest in the squat position
Gravity and a wider opening help your baby descend
Your partner can also hold you this way if you're in a birthing tub
#4: Standing forward wall lean
Good for any part of labour (even pushing)
This position takes pressure off your lower back
And puts gravity to work!
#5: Hip circles on a birthing ball
Good for active labour
The rocking motion can coax your baby down the birth canal
Hip circles can strengthen your hips and relax your muscles and joints
#6: Hanging kneel
Good for active labour
Rocking can be soothing during contractions and may encourage the baby's downward journey
This pose encourages you to release the muscles in your pelvic floor
#7: Side-lying with support
Good for when you are tired and need rest
Lying on your left side is slightly preferred to lying on your right side because less uterine weight is on major blood vessels
This position is great for resting between contractions
And side-lying can be done with an epidural
#8: Frog-legging with a sheet
Good for active labour and pushing
Frog-legging widens the pelvis while lying down
And can be done with an epidural
Above all, listen to and trust your body
It was literally made to do this!
For more postures, search labour positions on
babycentre.co.uk
