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13 Best Labor and Birthing Positions

For nine months you prep and plan for baby’s arrival. You read books, watch videos and maybe even take a birthing class or two. But while movies and TV shows have led many of us to believe both labor and delivery happen while lying on your back with your legs spread wide, anyone who’s been through the experience will tell you it doesn’t have to play out that way.

There are actually a variety of labor positions you can assume during the first phases of childbirth and a whole other set that makes for good birthing positions when it’s time to push—and they don’t all call for you to be flat on your back. “Rotating between different labor and birthing positions is important to optimize conditions for the mom and baby,” says Sara Twogood, MD, an obstetrician gynecologist at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and author of Ladypartsblog.com. “For Mom, this could mean making her more comfortable, especially if she’s having a medication-free birth. It can also mean maximizing the space in her pelvis so baby has more room.”

Here’s a primer on some of the best labor and birthing positions to help you prepare for the big day.

In this article:
Best labor positions
Best birthing positions

Best Labor Positions

The process of giving birth takes work (it’s not called “labor” for nothing). But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find a way to be as comfortable as humanly possible. “Labor positions are used during the labor process to help ease discomfort, move the baby down through the pelvis and encourage optimal fetal positioning,” says Lindsey Bliss, a birth doula and co-director of Carriage House Birth in New York City. “If you end up choosing not to utilize drugs for pain management, labor positions are essential for easing discomfort.”

Active labor, the phase in which contractions come on strong, is often when things really start to hurt. But keep in mind that women don’t start pushing until the cervix is fully dilated—for some women, this happens quickly; for others, not so much. So as your body and baby prepare for delivery, there are several labor positions your doctor or midwife may suggest to get you to the pushing point more comfortably. “Labor and delivery nurses are usually really great at helping a woman move around, even with an epidural, to find the labor positions that feel best for them,” Twogood says. “I recommend women try out a number of positions during labor. Every woman and baby is different, and what works for one woman won’t be ideal for another.”

Check out some of the most common labor positions:

The hands and knees position

The all fours position calls for you to get down onto your hands and knees, either in bed or on a floor mat. “The hands and knees position is a great one, since it helps open the pelvis,” says Rebekah Wheeler, RN, CNM, is a certified nurse-midwife in the Bay Area, California. Adds Megan Cheney, MD, MPH, medical director of the Women’s Institute at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, “Sometimes baby’s heart rate responds better when you’re in the hands and knees position, especially if baby isn’t in the best spot.”

Pros:

• Takes pressure off the spine, easing back pain
• May help boost baby’s oxygen level

Cons:

• Your arms may get tired

The sitting position

When you feel baby’s weight bearing down, you may just want to sit down—and that’s okay. Whether it’s in a birthing chair or even on a toilet, sitting and spreading your legs in this labor position can relieve some of the pressure on your pelvis.

Pros:

• Good for resting
• Can still be used with a fetal monitoring machine
• Sitting on a toilet relaxes the perineum, which can help reduce tearing

Cons:

• A hard toilet seat can become uncomfortable
• May not be an option if you’ve had high blood pressure during pregnancy

Birthing ball positions

Besides sitting on a birthing chair or toilet, you can also work the birthing ball into your labor positions. There are more than a few women who hail the prop as their BFF during labor and delivery. “Birthing balls provide support while you shift around,” Twogood says. “Women who want movement in their hips seem to find them helpful.” You can use a birthing ball in several ways: Some women sit or rock on it, lean against it or simply drape their upper bodies over it while kneeling. It can even be used as support while squatting. “I’m a huge fan,” Bliss says. “It’s great because women can continue bouncing and moving through the contractions even while being monitored.” Check beforehand to see if your hospital uses wireless fetal monitors; if not, you’ll be limited in how far you can move in these labor positions.

Pros:

• Can help move baby into a favorable birthing position
• Relieves back pressure
• Birthing ball labor positions can help encourage dilation and move baby deeper into the pelvis

Cons:

• Can be difficult to keep your balance
• Some birthing ball labor positions are difficult to do alone

The squatting position

Squats rarely top anyone’s list of favorite exercises, but on the day you give birth, you may want to give them a try as one of your labor positions. Squatting can be done against a wall or with the support of a chair or partner.

Pros:

• Helps open the pelvis
• Gives baby room to maneuver as they head toward the birth canal

Cons:

• May become tiring

The side-lying position

Lying on your side is one of the best labor positions to try when you need a rest. That said, just because you’re lying down doesn’t mean your body is taking a break from labor; on the contrary, it can actually help baby move into the ready position. “Side-lying and using a peanut-shaped birthing ball between the legs are wonderful tools for getting baby to descend and rotate,” Bliss says. “I encourage my clients to flip from side to side during the process to help baby come down and out.”

Pros:

• Helps get oxygen to baby
• Can be used if you have high blood pressure
• Makes it easier to relax during contractions

Cons:

• May be difficult to assess fetal heartbeat

The upright position

Gravity may not be your best friend during pregnancy, but you can make it work to your advantage during childbirth through upright labor positions. Whether you’re standing, walking or swaying, simply being vertical can get you closer to the finish line. “Walking can be helpful for women who are waiting for labor to progress,” Cheney says. Amy, a mother of two from Connecticut, found that to be the case. “I walked laps around the hospital wing to speed things up,” she says. Swaying while using another person as support is also a good way to work through labor. “Rocking your hips keeps baby moving lower and lower,” Wheeler says. (It’s also good for getting a final hug of support from your partner before the main event!) Here are some other things to consider when it comes to the upright position:

Pros:

• Relieves backaches
• Can make contractions less painful
• Encourages baby to move deeper into the birth canal

Cons:

• Not typically recommended for women with high blood pressure
• A telemetry unit is needed to continuously monitor the fetal heart rate

The lunging position

Doing lunges during labor may not sound like your idea of a good time, but lunging is one of the labor positions you may want to give a whirl. Unlike at the gym, you can put your foot up on a chair for these lunges: Simply lean your body forward onto the raised foot when you feel a contraction coming on. You can repeat it as many times as you want.

Pros:

• Helps baby rotate or descend
• Opens the pelvis, giving baby more room

Cons:

• Requires a partner to help you keep your balance

The stair-climbing position

If labor has been progressing nicely and then starts to slow down, baby might need extra encouragement to slip into the optimal position for birth. You may want to consider climbing stairs as one of your labor positions, since it can help baby shift.

Pros:

• Opens pelvis, allowing baby to drop farther and push on the cervix
• Helps baby rotate and get into a better birthing position

Cons:

• Can be tiring, especially if you’ve been in labor for a while

Best Birthing Positions

You’ve made it through the first stages of labor—congrats! Now it’s time to switch things up and assume birthing positions for the final stretch. “Birthing positions are used to push baby out,” Bliss says. Like labor positions, birthing positions don’t always equal lying on your back. In fact, “women who are in bed tend to experience more pain than women who move around,” Wheeler says. Here are some of the best birthing positions to try.

Squatting birth positions

Squats aren’t only great to do during labor, but they’re also among the popular birthing positions. Remember, when it comes to labor and delivery, gravity is on your side.

Pros:

• Decreases the need for certain delivery tools, like forceps or a vacuum
• Helps with dilation

Cons:

• Baby’s position may not be right for squatting
• Can lead to more tearing if done without a birthing stool or other aid

Reclining birth positions

Childbirth is hard work, and you might need to take a break—which is why many women opt for reclining birthing positions. Keep in mind, “reclining” can mean a number of things—yes, you can lie down in bed, but you can also recline against a wall, a chair or another person.

Pros:

• Can release tension and relax the muscles
• May be a good alternative if a woman is tired but doesn’t want to lie down completely

Cons:

• Can work against gravity

Birthing stool positions

A birthing stool can be used in a variety of birthing positions: Women can squat on it, get in the all fours position and use it to support the arms or even rock back and forth with it, depending on the design of the stool. Bonus: If you like the idea of a water birth, there are some birthing stool models that work in the water.

Pros:

• Can help baby move farther down
• Relieves stress on the back
• Can increase dilation of the cervix

Cons:

• Women may experience increased blood loss

Birthing bar positions

Call it the birthing stool’s cousin: The birthing bar is an attachment that can be added to many labor beds to help support birthing positions. With a birthing bar, you can sit up at any time and squat, leaning on the bar for support. “The birthing bar can be an awesome tool. You can wrap a towel on it to make it easier to use and switch positions,” Wheeler says. That proved to be true for Jennifer, a mom of two from Connecticut, who recalls that “after about two hours of pushing with no success, the birthing bar was put on the bed. It helped me get the resistance I needed to push to the point where the doctor could intervene.”

Pros:

• Expands the pelvis
• Uses gravity to push baby down

Cons:

• May not be available at all hospitals

Kneeling birth positions

If baby is facing Mom’s abdomen instead of her back, kneeling can help them turn to get into the proper position. Kneeling is one of the most popular birthing positions because it also gives mom a much-needed break.

Pros:

• Relieves pain of contractions
• Eases back pressure

Cons:

• May be difficult for continuous fetal monitoring

When it comes to labor and birthing positions, discuss all options with your doctor or midwife to land on the ones that will be most comfortable and practical for you. “Every baby and mom responds to positions differently. It’s the job of the labor assistant to help figure out what works best,” Wheeler says. Whichever labor and birthing positions you choose, it’ll all be worth it when baby is finally placed in your arms.

Expert bios:

Sara Twogood, MD, FACOG, is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Previously, she held a faculty appointment at USC Keck School of Medicine and practiced general OBGYN in an affiliated private practice. Twogood is also the author of Ladypartsblog.com, which covers topics relating to fertility and pregnancy, and the founder of FemEd, a program designed to empower females through health education.

Lindsey Bliss is a birth doula and co-founder of Carriage House Birth, a doula agency established in New York City in 2012 that now serves Los Angeles as well.

Rebekah Wheeler, RN, CNM, MPH, is a certified nurse-midwife in the Bay Area, California. She is the founder of the Malawi Women’s Health Collective, a small non-profit organization, and has served on the boards of the California Nurse-Midwifery Association, Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island and the Women’s Health and Education Fund of Southeastern Massachusetts. She holds a Master’s of Public Health and a Master’s of Science in Nursing from Yale University.

Megan Cheney, MD, MPH, is an ob-gyn and the medical director of the Women’s Institute at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. She earned her medical degree from University of Arizona College of Medicine in 2009.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

4 Must-Know Strategies for an Easier Labor and Delivery

5 Medication Options for Pain Relief During Labor

What to Expect During the Different Stages of Labor

Standing birth (vertical birth) - Juno

Standing birth: content of the article

What is vertical birth and how does it work?

Childbirth in an upright position is different in that the woman at this moment does not lie down, but stands or sits. She chooses a position that is comfortable for herself. The very process of labor proceeds as usual: first, disclosure occurs, then the expulsion of the fetus, after which the afterbirth is born.

The vertical position is characteristic of most mammals, therefore it is considered physiological. Also, in some nationalities, the process of giving birth to a child occurs exclusively while standing. Now this method is becoming more and more popular. But so far it has not been implemented in all obstetric institutions.

Vertical delivery: advantages and disadvantages

First, let's talk about the advantages of the vertical position.

• Reduced soreness by eliminating the load on the back and the inclusion of gravity.
• It has been proven that standing birth is less painful and therefore more easily tolerated by girls. In this regard, less often resort to anesthesia.
• The risk of birth trauma is reduced, since the uterus does not press on the aorta, inferior vena cava, and spine. A woman feels muscle contractions better, knows when to relax and when to push. Thus, fetal hypoxia, which is so frequent in the classical position, does not develop.
• Less often, there is a need for medical stimulation, since contractions during childbirth while standing are already quite strong. In general, the use of medicines is reduced by about 10%.
• The opening of the cervix, due to the uniform mechanical pressure of the fetal head and gravity, proceeds at a rapid pace, while all this happens gently, smoothly. Therefore, the first period of childbirth (contractions) is shorter.
• The third period, the successive one, also proceeds more favorably. The placenta, due to the same gravity, easily and quickly moves away from the walls of the uterus. Thus, blood loss is reduced.
• According to CTG data, the child feels better, and after birth he has higher Apgar scores, a system that assesses the condition of newborns taking into account several parameters.

Due to all these factors, a girl recovers faster after giving birth in an upright position. And the baby feels better. It is believed that such children quickly adapt to life outside the womb.

This position is especially suitable for patients with severe myopia, problems with blood vessels, heart and other conditions in which caesarean section is most often resorted to. The standing position helps to reduce the load on the girl's body and prevent complications.

Now let's look at what can be disadvantages in a standing position:

• In a vertical position, it is more difficult for a doctor or obstetrician to monitor the condition of the fetus, take CTG readings during attempts, listen to the baby's heartbeat;
• You should weigh the pros and cons, carefully monitor the condition of the expectant mother throughout the pregnancy, so as not to miss the anatomical features when the risk of ruptures and injuries increases. In such a situation, one should resort to operative delivery;
• Rapid labor is possible, and this is a high probability of injury to both the mother and the fetus;
• Epidural anesthesia is contraindicated, as it reduces the sensitivity of the body, the woman in labor will have difficulty in controlling sensations;
• It is more difficult for medical personnel to manipulate if problems arise during childbirth in an upright position.

Based on this, in each specific case, it is necessary to approach the issue of choosing a position for delivery individually and take into account the peculiarities of the course of pregnancy, the woman's health, the condition of the fetus and the possibilities of the obstetric institution.

Contraindications

Childbirth standing and kneeling cannot be performed if the following female and fetal factors are present:

• contractions started early;
• pregnancy occurs with complications;
• was diagnosed with a clinically narrow pelvis - in such a situation, in principle, they can give birth on their own only in exceptional cases. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the size of the fetal head, the intensity of labor, the presentation of the fetus;
• the fetus is not in the occipital presentation, but this is the most frequent and most favorable position. In other cases, the tactics of conducting childbirth should be reviewed;
• The fetal head is large or a large fetus is identified by ultrasound. Particular attention should be paid if this diagnosis is combined with a clinically narrow pelvis;
• , the expectant mother has one or more chronic diseases that can become complicated, posing a threat to health and life.

If initially there are no contraindications, and the obstetrician-gynecologist is not against the standing position, complications are not excluded in the process of labor. In this case, the woman in labor will be placed on a chair and the further process will go in the classical position. So it is more convenient for doctors to carry out the necessary manipulations and monitor the condition of the fetus and mother.

Vertical Delivery Equipment

Firstly, you may need a fitball - a large inflatable ball, on which it is convenient to sit, reclining. It helps to evenly distribute the load on the muscles. Used only during contractions. When the 2nd period begins, you should "move over" to another device.

Secondly, a special chair. The device has a hole in the lower part, which allows the midwife to assist the woman in labor and monitor the course of the birth process. At the same time, the woman in labor herself sits, as in an ordinary chair.

The third piece of equipment that can make work easier is a chair. In it, the pelvis of the woman in labor is on weight, and she can take any position. For a doctor, the device is not very convenient, as it is too low: you have to kneel. Or bend over while sitting on a chair, which is also uncomfortable if you stay in this position for a long time. But one of the advantages is that the husband can help and support, being in the same chair, which can be seen in the photo.

Entire complexes have also been developed in which several devices are combined. For example, an armchair and a high chair, you can substitute a fitball for them.

Positions for vertical birth

Vertical delivery is carried out in any position of the body that is convenient for the woman in labor. Possible options:

• On all fours, knee-elbow position. If you lean lower, the contractions will become less painful;
• Squatting - the woman in labor can be on the floor or on a chair. If a partner is present, she can grab the man's neck and hang on him or lean on his knees;
• Rodya standing on his feet with support. In this case, you will also need the help of a partner: he will support from behind. The woman in labor is in limbo, the muscles are relaxed: due to this, the process is accelerated;
• Squatting with the support of a partner. You need to spread your legs shoulder-width apart and, as it were, hang on your assistant, who will support you from behind. The abdomen and legs are relaxed. You can rock gently to relieve pain. This position uses the force of gravity to the maximum, and it is easier for the baby to pass through the relaxed birth canal;
• Sitting on a special chair or fitball. The ball, as we have said, can only be used in the first period;
• Childbirth on knees. Standing on one knee, the second leg - as if squatting. Legs can be changed so that they do not get tired.

In the 1st period, when the cervix is ​​dilated, which is accompanied by painful contractions, the woman in labor can take any position: on all fours, kneeling on the floor, on an armchair or walking around the ward. Changing the position of the body, physical activity help reduce pain, shorten the period of contractions. For example, from giving birth on your knees, you can go to the knee-elbow position. Often the vertical method is combined with the horizontal one, since the birth process can last several hours, it is difficult for a woman in labor to be on her feet all this time.

During the period of exile, the most optimal position is squatting - so the pelvic bones diverge as much as possible, and the muscular frame relaxes, which facilitates the passage of the fetus through the birth canal. But you can sit vertically on the birthing equipment. You can rest between pushes if you get on all fours.

3rd period - afterbirth, when the placenta moves away from the walls of the uterus and its birth occurs. At this stage, newborns are processed and given to their mother, applied to the chest. This accelerates uterine contractions after the placenta exits. Usually at this time, the puerperal lies on her back and restores her strength.

According to obstetrician-gynecologists, there is no universal position: a woman can give birth in a standing, sitting, knee-elbow and even lying position. The main thing is that she should be comfortable. In the process, she can intuitively turn around, stand up differently.

Helpful Hints

If you decide to give birth vertically, advance preparation is necessary. Consult with your doctor, check if there are any contraindications and what is the risk of perinatal complications. If the risk is low, then this alternative to the classic position can be considered.

Do not neglect courses for pregnant women in the antenatal clinic, which you need to start attending 3-4 months before the expected date of delivery. The future dad should be next to you at this time.

In the courses, you will master vertical poses, practice with a partner, so as not to get lost at a crucial moment. Learn to relax your muscles, breathe properly, push.

There is another benefit of taking courses - they psychologically prepare expectant mothers and fathers for parenthood. You will know what awaits you, how to prepare for this period in order to live it as fully and consciously as possible, without succumbing to panic.

Also find out which hospitals offer standing and kneeling births and their hospitalization requirements. Pay attention to the list of analyzes and certificates that will need to be provided, including to the partner: without them, he will not be able to be present at the birth. If your city has private medical centers with a delivery room and special devices, a complex, you can choose them. But be sure to study all the information about this institution - licenses, certificates, also read what people write about doctors, find information about their qualifications and experience. This is necessary to avoid poor quality services.

Do not forget also about the usual preparation. You will need a bag for the maternity facility, a bag for discharge, a first aid kit for the newborn, which you will use after discharge. Pharmacies have ready-made kits, but you can collect everything yourself according to your preferences.

Girls reviews

Reviews of patients who gave birth in a standing position prove that this is a comfortable position. The benefits are especially noticeable if the girl has previously given birth in the classical way while lying on her back. So, many have come to the conclusion that vertical pain is less.

The first period of labor activity is the longest, therefore it is quite energy-consuming and tiring in a vertical position. But at the same time, the advantage is the absence of ruptures in the mother and injuries in the fetus, a shortening of the duration of the period.

Many mothers on women's forums write that they gave birth free of charge under compulsory medical insurance. The main thing is to find out in advance during pregnancy which maternity hospitals or perinatal centers support standing birth.

The advantages of the vertical method reflect the research work that evaluates the risks, analyzes the results. Thanks to such work, we can make sure that with a competent approach, the tactics are quite working. Perhaps in the future it will become widely used in obstetric institutions.

Is it possible to give birth vertically at home

Home birth is one of the modern trends, judging by the topics on women's forums, websites, and the number of people commenting on such topics. Of course, the birth process is a natural outcome of pregnancy. But experts warn that giving birth at home is dangerous. This is especially fraught against the background of fetal and female risk factors, when the likelihood of complications, injuries and other consequences is high.

Even if everything is perfect both according to the analyzes and the results of the examinations, there is no 100% guarantee that you will avoid complications. It is safer, wiser and better to give birth in a medical institution, where they can provide timely assistance to both mother and child. Such recommendations regarding horizontal and vertical methods of childbirth.

Pins

If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, the expectant mother is set to give birth on her knees, she can choose such tactics and prepare for them. Specialists in the field of obstetrics and gynecology approve the vertical method and use it as an alternative to traditional childbirth. Including this method is included in the WHO recommendation and is used to maintain activity in the process of labor.

Of course, you should evaluate the pros and cons of the standing position in each case in order to avoid complications.

Obstetrician-gynecologist,
anti-aging medicine specialist,
Candidate of Medical Sciences
Chizhova Yuliya Anatolyevna

Childbirth positions that are safe for you and your baby

During childbirth, it is very important to find the most comfortable position for you. This will make it easier for both you and your baby. If you choose the right position for you, your baby will be born faster, and the birth itself will be much easier. To do this, it is enough to correctly respond to the movements of the baby, who is trying to pass through the birth canal.

During the first stage of labor (dilating), you can stand, bend over, kneel, walk, or sit. The baby moves through the birth canal with the help of uterine contractions. Due to gravity, his head presses on the cervix more and more, and it opens faster. Therefore, at this stage it is very important to move.

Use all the help available to you: a fitball, a ladder, a low chair, a window sill or a mattress, not to mention the help of your partner. Try different positions until you find the most comfortable position that will make it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal.

In some maternity hospitals, you can take a bath that relaxes the muscles, reduces the strength of contractions and accelerates the opening of the cervix.

During the first stage, you will certainly feel fear and anxiety. In this case, walk around the room or go out into the corridor. If walking is difficult, ask someone next to you for help or lie back in bed.

Movement and standing helps to expand the pelvis so that the baby can settle down comfortably before being born.

Standing with a partner

In this position, you stand with your legs apart. You lean on the escort's arms and lean forward slightly so that your stomach hangs down quietly. During contractions, you may shake your hips. Your partner can do the same movements. A slight forward lean will relieve your spine.

An escort may stand behind you and hold you under the armpits. In this case, you stand with your legs wide apart and your hands on your stomach.

This position may be uncomfortable for the midwife, who will have to sit on the floor to give birth. In addition, you may not be in full control of your contractions, and you may also experience severe pain in your legs. Therefore, when you use this pose, you need the help of an accompanying person.

Sitting on a fitball

This position is good in the early stages of labor when the baby's head is high. You sit on the ball with your legs wide apart, your feet resting on the floor. Place your hands on your knees or hold on to something for balance. Rock your hips rhythmically in both directions.

While sitting on the ball, you can jump a little on it. Such movements relax the pelvic floor and help you breathe freely.

Leaning forward on knees

If you feel that the contractions are not getting stronger, try the forward bending position, which will affect the strength and regularity of the contractions. This position with legs wide apart helps to correctly insert the baby's head at the exit from the small pelvis.

Get on one knee with a blanket or pillow underneath. Place your other foot on the floor. Shift your body weight onto that leg, moving rhythmically. Try to do this exercise during contractions while stretching your groin area. Don't forget about breathing. Inhale as you lean forward and exhale as you return to the starting pose. Repeat several times on one knee.

Sitting on your heels

First get on your knees and from this position sit comfortably on your heels with your knees wide apart. Straighten your arms and place them on the floor or on your hips with your fingers pointing inward.

This position is suitable for strong contractions, and when you have already successfully passed the first stage of labor. By leaning forward, you help the baby's head move quickly through the birth canal. Remember to breathe. To improve efficiency and reduce pain during contractions, you can rock back and forth.

Lying down

Lie comfortably on your left side. Place a pillow under your head and under your right knee. If you are more comfortable on the right side, then choose this position, but remember that it is the position on the left side that provides a full flow of blood to the placenta, which nourishes the baby.

In the supine position, the intensity of contractions weakens. You can use this time as a little respite. This is especially true during long fights, when a woman needs rest in order to gain strength before the next fight.

Kneeling with a ball

Try this pose if you are experiencing lower back pain. Get on all fours with your feet wide apart, or sit on your heels with your hands and head on the ball. During the fights, roll the ball back and forth. In this position, you gently press on the abdomen, causing stronger contractions, which causes the baby to move further and further down.

During the second stage of labor - the expulsion of the fetus - you must be active. Use the help of an attendant or hold on to the Swedish wall. Pushing in different positions helps intensify contractions.

On all fours

You will need the help of a guide in this position. This position is recommended for women with large children. It facilitates the opening of the cervix and reduces the pressure of the baby's head on the perineum, and also reduces the risk of perineal tears.

Kneel on a mattress or blanket with your feet wide apart. Place your arms and neck on your partner's arms.

Squatting

Squat down with your feet flat on the floor. Your legs should be wide apart. The accompanying person should sit on a high chair so that your buttocks do not touch the floor. During the fight, you lean on your partner's legs, and he can hold you under the armpits.

In this position, the baby moves faster through the birth canal, often without your efforts, but only thanks to the strength of the contractions.

Wall Squat

Squat with your feet flat on the floor with your legs slightly apart. To maintain balance, hold on to one of the bars of the Swedish wall with outstretched arms. In the same way, you can hold on to the bed frame or window sill. Stay in this position during contractions. Remember that you should get up after the fight to stretch your legs.

This position makes it much easier for the baby to move through the birth canal.

Lying on your side

Lie on the bed with your knees bent, choose whether you feel more comfortable lying on your left side or on your right side. Sometimes the obstetrician can advise you on a certain side, and this depends on the position of the baby in the mother's abdomen. Place pillows under your head and body, or have the top of the bed raised. During contractions, try to curl up, pull one leg towards you and try to bring your head to your chest. This posture puts more pressure on the chart, making pushing more effective.

Half-sitting

Sit on the obstetric bed with your knees bent wide apart. During contractions, the companion tilts your head to your chest while you hold on to the rails of the bed and try your best to pull yourself up or stand up on your elbows. You can also put your feet on special stands or press them with both hands to yourself, bending at the knees.

This is a very comfortable position for the midwife, as it makes it easier for her to follow the birth process.

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