BEST LABOR POSITIONS FOR AN EASIER DELIVERY

Written by Liza John

Labor is one of the most painful experiences the human body can withstand. The contractions and the pressure on the cervix can cause strong cramps around the abdomen, groin, back, and thighs. 

From analgesics to epidurals, today there are numerous methods available to ease labor pain. But these may have slight side effects and could be risky in some situations.  

Women may often choose to have natural births and turn down all medications. In such situations, they rely on relaxation techniques, controlled breathing, and labor positions to help cope with the pain.  

Long gone are the days when the only option pregnant women had was to lay flat on their backs during labor. Now, expecting mothers are encouraged to choose a position they feel comfortable, from standing, walking, or even climbing stairs to squatting, sitting, and more.  

Every woman and labor is different, what works for you may not work for someone else and vice-versa. Luckily, there are several labor positions you can adopt to make you as comfortable as possible. 

Hands and Knees Position 

Drop down to your arms and knees either on a mat or a bed. Leaning forward in this position helps open up the pelvis. The hands and knees position might also improve your baby’s oxygen supply. 

This position takes the pressure off the spine, which will reduce any back pain you experience. You could also get your partner or midwife to give you massages while you’re in the hand-knee position. 

Your arms may get tired in this position, when that happens feel free to drop your shoulders and place your head on a pillow. 

Squatting Position 

While squats may not be your favourite exercise, the squatting position offers numerous benefits if done correctly during labor.  

Support yourself against a wall, chair, or partner. Try to hold your thighs parallel to the ground. 

Squatting takes advantage of the gravity and helps the baby manoeuvre through the birth canal. It also helps open up the pelvis and reduces tearing. 

However, the squatting position may become tiring after a while.  

Sitting Position 

The sitting position is a great position to rest in. While sitting, spread your legs to take some pressure off your pelvis.  

The sitting position can be used even with a fetal monitoring machine. Sitting on a toilet seat soothes the perineum and reduces tearing.  

The sitting position may not suit you if you’ve had high blood pressure during pregnancy. 

Side-Lying Position 

Lying on your side is a great position to get some much-needed rest during labor. It is a gravity-neutral position and can be used to slow down labor. This position takes some pressure off the perineum and reduces perineal trauma.  

It can be used even amongst expecting women with blood pressure issues or when your baby displays fetal distress. 

Standing or Walking 

Standing or walking makes use of gravity and helps your baby move through the birth canal. Walking, swaying, or being upright helps the labor progress faster.  

Walking or standing makes you comfortable by relieving backache and making contractions less painful. 

You can start walking during early labor and continue into late labor if your blood pressure is normal. During late labor, if you don’t feel like walking, take some rest and get back when you feel like it. 

Leaning Forward 

Leaning forward over a bed, a stack of pillows, or a birthing ball can take pressure off your back. You can also kneel and lean over something to produce a similar effect. 

This is a relaxing position and enables you to cope with contractions better. This is particularly helpful during back labor – when the baby’s head is against your spine causing back pain.  

Bottom Line 

There isn’t a most comfortable position that fits all pregnant women. It depends on you, try  

and find out what works for you and what makes you most comfortable. 

If you are experiencing back labor, leaning forwards or the hands and knees position will help soothe your back pain. If you are on epidurals, sitting or side-lying positions would work best.  

Supine positions put pressure and strain on blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the baby. Due to this, nowadays, medical practitioners recommend taking non-supine positions during labor.