Positions to ease labor pain

2:47 min| 3,605,750 views

Your baby is almost here! Get ready with these eight helpful positions that can make your labor go faster and relieve pain during each stage of labor.

Show transcript

our site presents

8 positions to ease labor pains

Different positions can help labor progress faster and relieve pain

A study found that women who walked or stayed upright during early and active labor reduced their labor time by about an hour

Note for the birthing partner: Listen to the laboring mother and follow her lead

#1: Butterfly pose

Good for the first stage of labor

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 labor (including pushing)

Being on all fours during active labor and pushing can 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 labor

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 labor (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 labor

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 labor

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 labor 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 labor positions on Our Site

Video production by SALT Project.

Watch the video: 8 positions to ease labor pain (June 2022).