Positions for delivery

Traditionally birth images show the mother lying on her back, but keeping upright and as active as possible means gravity can help your baby out.

Try not  to worry about what you might look like – just experiment and find positions that feel natural and comfortable for you and your baby. Practice these ahead of your due date:

Squatting
Squatting encourages your baby to descend quickly and makes pushing easier for you. Squatting is ideal if you’re having a water birth, as the water can help support your weight. On dry land it can be hard to sustain a squat, so get your birthing partner to support you by hooking their arms under yours.

Kneeling
Kneeling on something soft and either being supported by your birth partner or resting your hands on your bed can help to stretch your pelvic ligaments, and a slight rocking movement back and forwards may help ease the pain.

Standing
Standing with support or leaning on the bed helps you better use gravity to help the baby move downwards.

Sitting upright
This can be a great position if you’ve been standing or squatting and feel tired, or if you’ve had an epidural and want to remain upright but have limited movement.

Lying on your side
This is also a good position if you’ve had an epidural, or if you want to slow down a fast birth by taking the pressure off your cervix. Your upper leg should be in the air to open your pelvis as much as possible - your birthing partner can help to support it.

Standing with bent knees
Stand with your birth partner supporting you from behind, letting them take your weight. Bend your knees and push on the floor. Your partner can also support you from the front.

See our positions for labor video for a more detailed look at the best birthing positions.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.