Positions for Labor
Filed Under Mom Talk |
In order for labor to progress, it is extremely important for a woman to change her positions frequently (at least every 30–40 minutes) during labor. A wide variety of positions will alleviate some of the discomforts of labor.
Walking
• Excellent position for ease of pain and back pressure
• Can hasten the speed of labor due to gravity
Sitting on Birth Ball
• Places the woman in a squat position without stretching the muscles in the legs
• Eases the perineal pressure
• Aids the descent of the baby
Side-Lying
• Excellent for relaxation or with use of medication
• Helps to reduce elevated blood pressure
• Should be alternated with activity such as walking (if not medicated)
Hands and Knees
• Optimal position for relief of painful back labor
• Encourages rotation of baby from posterior to anterior position
• Allows partner to be free to massage the back
Leaning Forward While Kneeling, Sitting, or Standing
• Takes the pressure off the back
• Can help rotate the baby from posterior to anterior
• Allows partner to be free to massage the back
• Can use the birth ball, the bed, the partner, or a chair as support
Lunging with Partner Support
• Allows for opening of pelvic floor
• Rocking motion with support can be relaxing
• Allows partner/mom closeness
Squatting
• Encourages proper fetal alignment into the pelvis and aids in the descent of the baby
• Opens the pelvis 1–2 cm, wider than other positions
• Helps to relieve backache
Swaying/Slow Dancing
• Loving position to labor in with the partner—allows for emotional as well as physical support
• Provides mobility to the pelvis
• Uses gravity to help speed up the labor
Cheers,
Andrea Page
Resources:
Kitzinger, Shiela. The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth
www.birthsource.com
Simkin, Whalley and Keppler. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide (1991)
Perez, Paulina. The Nurturing Touch at Birth (1997)
