Birth positions

There are lots of different positions you can try during labour and birth which might help you feel more comfortable. Everyone will prefer different positions and movements but many people find it useful to move around during labour.

There are many positions you could try such as:

• Walking
• Standing
• Kneeling
• All fours
• Sitting upright (on a bed, chair or birthing ball)
• Supported standing or squatting (this helps open your pelvis and you can be supported by your birth partner)
• Lying on your left or right side

Some of these positions will make it easier for your birth partner to massage your back, which helps release stress.

Leicester birth centres and hospitals have different kinds of birthing balls available for you to use.

Peanut ball

Birthing ball

Moving around, staying upright and changing positions can help during labour and birth because:

• It can make the length of labour shorter, such as the pushing stage
• Help you cope better
• Reduce medical interventions
• Help you to feel more in control

Trying different positions is helpful as different positions may be more comfortable for you during different stages of your labour.

Positions if you have an epidural

If you have an epidural during labour, you will not be able to walk around as it may affect your legs and make them feel heavy. You will still be able to change positions on the bed (sitting upright, on your side). The bed can also be changed into a chair, which will help support more upright positions.