How to Position During Labor

A good position during labor reduces pain, and brings comfort to the pregnant mother. Many positions can speed up labor. There is no magic labor position. You may have to try several different positions or alternate between positions.

Instructions

• 1

  Use semi-sitting position if you want to open up the pelvis and to speed up the labor process. Semi-sitting also helps your birth attendant to have a good view of the perineum. Do semi-sitting position on a bed or on a couch. Use pillows to support your back. Wrap your arms and hands around your knees.

• 2

  Rock your pelvic, when you are on all four. This position helps to relieve backache. It also helps to guide your baby to birth position. Use pillows to support knees and hands. You can alternate between rocking your hip from side to side and front to back. You can also use a birth ball for this position. First, rest your chest and arms on the ball. Then, kneel down and rock.

• 3

  Squatting position can help to open your pelvis and provide a path for the baby to go through the birth canal. Squatting position takes advantages of the gravity to move the baby to the birth position. You can do this position alone or with the help of your partner.

• 4

  Ask your partner to help if you want to dangle. Similar to squatting, dangling uses gravity to assist delivery of your baby.

• 5

  Rest by lying on your side. This resting position helps to get oxygen to your baby. It is also the preferred position if you takes pain medication or have elevated blood pressure. Put a pillow between your legs.

• 6

  Try a position for at least few contractions. Switch to a new position if it does not work. Depending on the situation, you maybe asked by your nurse to do a specific position to facilitate the labor.