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A Guide to the Most Popular Labor Birthing Positions

May 25, 2023

physiotherapist giving massages to the back of a pregnant woman lying on her side on a massage table

When you think of giving birth, most women think of the same hospital scene. A woman panting heavily, screaming with sweaty hair stuck to her face.  Switch over to the man that did this to her with a face of horror and shame that he can’t do anything about her pain.  As she sits on a hospital bed with her legs spread out, the audience is left to imagine what it would feel like to extrude a watermelon from your orifice.  It is pretty terrifying stuff.  No wonder women and men are equally afraid of childbirth.  

Eden Berry wants to dispel the myth of childbirth and reduce your anxiety about the process. The truth is there are many different positions that can be used during labor and delivery, some are quite frankly more effective than others in shortening the process and reducing injury to the mother and child. Here are some of the most common ones:

Upright Labor Position

In the hospital woman in labor pushes to give birth, obstetricians assisting
In the hospital woman in labor pushes to give birth, obstetricians assisting

Upright positions: These include standing, walking, or leaning forward on a support, such as a birth ball or a bed. These positions can help to encourage the baby to descend into the pelvis and may also help to reduce the intensity of contractions.

The upright birthing position is one of the most popular and widely used positions during labor and delivery. In this position, the mother is typically standing, walking, or leaning forward on a support, such as a birth ball or a bed.

One of the main advantages of the upright birthing position is that it can help to encourage the baby to descend into the pelvis and may also help to reduce the intensity of contractions. The upright position can also allow gravity to assist in the birthing process, making it easier for the baby to move down the birth canal.

In addition, the upright position can be more comfortable for many women, as it allows them to move freely and find the positions that work best for them. This can be especially helpful during early labor, when rest and relaxation are important. The upright position may be more tiring for some women, especially if they are in labor for a long time.

Some women may find the upright position helpful throughout the entire birthing process, while others may prefer to switch to a different position during the pushing stage.

Sitting Labor Positions

Young pregnant mom begins her labor at home
Young pregnant mom begins her labor at home

Sitting positions: These include sitting on a birthing stool or chair, or on the edge of a bed. These positions can be helpful for pushing during the second stage of labor.

The sitting birthing position is another popular option for women during labor and delivery. In this position, the mother is seated on a birthing stool or a chair, which can provide support and comfort.

One of the main advantages of the sitting birthing position is that it can be very effective for pushing during the second stage of labor. This is because the position allows the mother to use gravity to assist in the birthing process, making it easier for the baby to move down the birth canal. The sitting position can also be helpful for women who are experiencing back pain or discomfort during labor, as it can provide relief by taking pressure off the back.

In addition, the sitting position can be very empowering for many women, as it allows them to take an active role in the birthing process and feel more in control of their bodies. The sitting position, like the standing position, may not be as comfortable for some women, especially if they are in labor for a long time.

Some women may find this position helpful throughout the entire birthing process, while others may prefer to switch to a different position during the earlier stages of labor.

Side-lying Labor Positions

physiotherapist giving massages to the back of a pregnant woman lying on her side on a massage table
physiotherapist giving massages to the back of a pregnant woman lying on her side on a massage table

Side-lying positions: These include lying on one side with a pillow between the legs for support. This position can be helpful for rest and relaxation during early labor.

The side-lying birthing position is a popular option for many women during labor and delivery. In this position, the mother lies on her side with a pillow or other support between her legs for comfort and support.

One of the main advantages of the side-lying birthing position is that it can be very comfortable and relaxing for many women, especially during early labor when rest is important. This position can also be helpful for women who are experiencing back pain or discomfort during labor, as it can provide relief by taking pressure off the back.

The side-lying position can be helpful for turning a baby who is in a posterior position. This is because the position allows the baby to rotate more easily and can help to encourage them to move into the optimal position for birth. Mothers may want to switch during the second stage of labor, as the side-lying position may not be as effective for pushing as labor progresses.

Squatting Labor Positions

Pregnant woman in pain during labor
Pregnant woman in pain during labor

Squatting positions: These include squatting on a birthing stool or using a squat bar attached to the bed. These positions can help to open up the pelvis and can be helpful for pushing during the second stage of labor.

The squatting birthing position is a traditional position that has been used for centuries by women during labor and delivery. In this position, the mother is either supported by a birthing bar or assisted by her partner or midwife to squat down as low as possible.

One of the main advantages of the squatting birthing position is that it can be very effective for pushing during the second stage of labor. This is because the position allows the mother to use gravity to assist in the birthing process, making it easier for the baby to move down the birth canal. The squatting position can also help to open up the pelvis and create more room for the baby to pass through.

In addition, the squatting position can be very empowering for many women, as it allows them to take an active role in the birthing process and feel more in control of their bodies.  However, the squatting birthing position may be more physically demanding for some women, especially if they are in labor for a long time.  Further, the squatting position can cause perineal tearing more easily if not monitored by a healthcare professional.

Hands and Knees Labor Positions

Prenatal exercises. Pregnant woman learning right breathing
Prenatal exercises. Pregnant woman learning right breathing

Hands and knees positions: These include kneeling on all fours with support under the hands and knees. This position can help to relieve back pain and can be helpful for turning a baby who is in a posterior position.

The hands and knees birthing position is a position where the mother is on all fours with her hands and knees on the floor or bed. This position is becoming increasingly popular during labor and delivery due to its potential benefits.

One of the main advantages of the hands and knees birthing position is that it can help to relieve back pain during labor. The position can also help to open up the pelvis and create more room for the baby to pass through.

Another benefit of the hands-and-knees position is that it can provide a sense of privacy and intimacy during labor. This is because the mother can rest her head on a pillow or her arms, creating a sense of comfort and security.  The position may also be more physically demanding for some women, especially if they are in labor for a long time.

The best time to use the hands and knees birthing position will depend on each woman’s individual preferences and the specific circumstances of her labor. Some women may find this position helpful throughout the entire birthing process, while others may prefer to switch to a different position during the earlier stages of labor.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that the best position for labor and delivery will vary depending on each woman’s individual preferences and the specific circumstances of her labor. Some women may find certain positions more comfortable or effective than others, and it’s important to work with your healthcare provider and support team to find the positions that work best for you.  Eden Berry recommends practicing each position before labor begins to get comfortable with your body in that position.  Depending on where you give birth, certain hospitals may discourage the full range of birthing position and prefer you stick with one that works with their monitoring equipment.  Regardless, Eden Berry suggests that you include birthing positions as part of your birth plan when speaking with your healthcare professional to understand what the limitations are for their practice.

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