Birthing positions
You may find that certain positions are more comfortable than others during the second stage of labour. Speak to your health professional about different birthing positions before your labour begins.
Changing positions often during labour is a good idea.
- Sitting in an upright position during labour may be more comfortable than lying down. Sitting on a "birthing ball," which is typically used for physiotherapy or exercise, can comfortably help your back and pelvis stay loose while supporting the area between your vagina and anus (perineum).
- Kneeling, getting down on your knees and hands, or leaning onto a birthing ball may help to take pressure off your back. This position might help with back labour.
- Squatting may help you push more effectively.
- Lying on your back in a semi-reclining position with your legs supported by stirrups is another birthing position you may want to try. While pushing, your health professional may have you grab behind your knees and pull up.
- Lying on your side is helpful if you are tired of lying on your back.
Some birthing centres use a birthing stool or chair during the second stage of labour. A birthing chair may make you feel more comfortable. One study has demonstrated a higher incidence of heavy bleeding in women who used a birthing chair (sitting compared with delivering in bed), and in another birthing chair study women had no unusual bleeding problems.1
Labouring in water
Some hospitals and birthing centres offer tubs or whirlpools for early active labouring (though not normally for pushing and delivering). If your hospital does, talk to your health professional about labouring in water. The warm water supports your body and helps you to relax. Among large groups of women, this has been proven to:1
- Reduce labour pain.
- Reduce the use of or need for pain medication.
- Lower the mother's blood pressure.
- Help some women move along a slow labour and avoid a need for forceps, vacuum, or caesarean delivery.2
Some time before you are ready to push your baby out, you will have help to move from the tub or whirlpool.
| Author: | Bets Davis, MFA Kathe Gallagher, MSW Ralph Poore | Last Updated: February 26, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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