Which is the best position for labour and birth?

There is no one position that is best for labour and birth. Different people find different positions comfortable. Unless there is a medical reason, you can choose a birth position that makes you comfortable.

You can choose to move around into different positions throughout your labour. You may find positions that are comfortable for you naturally. Following your instincts for positioning during labour and birth can help you to feel more in control, reduce pain and make the birth easier.

You might like to practice some labour positions before you have your baby. If you attend an antenatal class, you may learn about labour positions that some people prefer.

It used to be common to encourage people to give birth lying on their back in a bed. However, research shows that being in an upright position during labour and birth has benefits for both you and your baby.

What positions may be helpful for stage 1 of labour?

Early labour

During the first stage of labour, your body is getting ready to give birth. Your cervix thins out and dilates (opens up) to about 4 – 6cm.

You may still be at home. Resting during this stage can help save your energy. Examples of positions that may be comfortable include:

• lying on your side
• sitting with your feet up or in the bath
• walking around
• standing in the shower, upright or bent over, while rocking or swaying

Being in an upright posture (kneeling, squatting or standing), using a birth ball and changing positions can also help in reducing labour pains.

It’s generally not a good idea to lie on your back during the first stage of labour. Lying flat on your back during pregnancy can reduce the blood supply to your baby. It could also lead to a longer labour.

Keep moving and changing positions to prevent tiredness and ensure your muscles don't get too sore. You may find yourself standing upright or bent over while rocking and swaying. This is sometimes called the 'dance of labour'. This can help both you and your baby by easing reducing pressure on your pelvic area and encouraging your baby to move into the correct position in the your pelvis.

Active labour

As you move into active labour, your cervix dilates from 4 – 6cm to 10cm (fully dilated). Your contractions become more frequent and stronger.

It’s a good idea to listen to your body and choose positions that make you most comfortable and helps you manage your pain during this phase of labour. Your healthcare team may make suggestions to help guide you.

Choosing an upright position can have some benefits:

• You are less likely to have an epidural or a caesarean section.
• You may have shorter first stage of labour.
• You may have less pain during labour and birth.
• It can help your baby’s head descend into your pelvis.

Here are some ideas of upright positions:

What positions may be helpful for stage 2 of labour?

If you have not had an epidural, you can choose a position which is comfortable for you during the second stage of labour.

If you have had an epidural, you may be more limited in your movements. You might still benefit from lying on your side rather than lying on your back.

The second stage of labour begins when your cervix is fully dilated. You will start to push during contractions, so your baby can move down and out of the birth canal. Upright positions include:

• kneeling on the bed or floor, against a pile of pillows or supported by your partner, sometimes with one knee up
• squatting whilst supported by your partner or holding onto a bar
• sitting with your legs wide apart, leaning forwards on a chair or in a bed

During the second stage of labour, an upright position can:

• improve the flow of blood and oxygen to your baby, compared to lying down
• help your uterus contract more strongly and efficiently, which helps your baby get into a better position
• open your pelvis and make it more comfortable for you to push

If you are in bed, you can still kneel or go on all fours. You can also try sitting, semi-lying down on the bed, or lying on your side with your top leg bent.

Which situations might limit my mobility during labour and birth?

Your movements might be more limited in certain situations:

• An epidural usually makes your legs feel heavy and numb so you will need to lie on the bed. However, mobile epidurals (‘walking epidurals’) that to allow you to get up and move are available in some hospitals. Ask if they are offered at your hospital.
• Continuous fetal monitoring, if needed, may limit your movement. Ask if your birthing facility has a mobile monitor, which will make it easier to move around with the monitor.
• If you need an assisted delivery with forceps or a ventouse (vacuum), you will need to lie on your back. You will also need to lie down for a vaginal examination or episiotomy.

How can I practise using positions for labour and birth?

It’s a good idea to practice the positions that you think you might like to use during your labour and birth. You can do this by:

• joining an antenatal class
• searching for information, images and videos on the internet and practising at home

Resources and support

• Maternity Choices Australia works to advocate for and promote maternal health and wellbeing.
• The Royal Women’s hospital has information about pregnancy care and birthing options.
• If you are expecting a baby and are feeling anxious or depressed, contact PANDA National Helpline (Monday – Saturday) on 1300 726 306 or visit their website for ways they offer support.

Other languages

The Royal Women’s Hospital has factsheets about induction of labour in many languages.