Positions for Labor

There are many positions you can try when it’s time to push during labor. In any position, tucking your chin and rounding your back helps your abdominal muscles work with your uterus to bring your baby into the world.

Every body — and every birth — is different. You may find that some positions feel better than others, or that changing positions helps move things along. Positions that use gravity (like sitting or squatting) can sometimes speed labor, while gravity-neutral positions (like side-lying or hands-and-knees) may help slow things down if your baby is coming very quickly. What matters most is your comfort, so feel free to experiment and switch positions as needed.

Squatting

Advantages

• Opens the pelvic outlet to its widest (up to 1–2 extra centimeters)
• Uses gravity to help
• May require less bearing down
• Can encourage baby’s rotation and descent
• Helpful if you don’t feel a strong urge to push

Tip: If a full squat feels hard, try semi-squatting on a stool, pillows or using a squatting bar on the birthing bed.

Semi-Sitting/Upright

Advantages

• Some gravity benefit
• Partner can place hands on your lower back to guide your push and help tilt your pelvis
• Pelvic tilt creates more space for baby
• Comfortable resting position
• Works with fetal monitoring and allows for vaginal exams

Sitting

Advantages

• Uses some gravity
• Comfortable and restful
• Compatible with fetal monitoring
• Leaning forward can ease backache — perfect for a back rub
• Sitting on the toilet may feel natural and gives you a firm surface to push against

Hands and Knees

Advantages

• Gravity-neutral — slows a fast delivery
• Can relieve backache by shifting baby forward
• Helps baby rotate if in a posterior position
• Reduces pressure on hemorrhoids

Lying on Your Side

Advantages

• Gravity-neutral — slows a very rapid delivery
• Comfortable resting position
• Compatible with fetal monitoring and vaginal exams
• May reduce the need for an episiotomy

No matter which positions you try, remember there’s no single "right" way to push. Listen to your body, change positions if you need to, and choose what feels most comfortable for you and your baby.