Labour & Birth Positions
During labour, your body is designed to move.
Changing position and staying upright can help you work with your body, rather than against it - supporting comfort, encouraging progress and helping your baby move through the pelvis.
There is no single “best” position for labour. Instead, it’s about finding positions that feel right for you in the moment and allowing your body to guide you.
Why positions matter
Different positions in labour can:
• help manage discomfort and reduce pressure
• support the progress of labour
• create space within the pelvis for your baby to move down
• work with gravity to encourage descent
• improve your sense of control and comfort
Upright and forward-leaning positions are often particularly helpful, especially in active labour.
Following your instincts
Many people naturally feel the urge to move, sway, lean or change position during labour.
Listening to these instincts can be incredibly beneficial. Your birth partner can also help suggest or support different positions if you’d like guidance or a change.
Resources
Labour Positions Guides
A visual guide to a range of positions you can use during labour and birth.
A gentle reminder
You don’t need to remember every position.
Even small movements - rocking, swaying, leaning forwards - can make a big difference. The key is to stay as comfortable, relaxed and supported as possible.