Labor and delivery, postpartum care

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Slide show

Slide show: Labor positions

By Mayo Clinic staff
 

Image of a pregnant woman kneeling with birthing ball

Pregnant woman kneeling with birthing ball

There's no perfect position for labor. However, frequent changes of position during labor can help you relax and cope with the pain. By involving your labor partner, you might feel greater support, too. As your labor progresses, try various positions until you find one that helps you feel comfortable.

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References
  1. Albers LL. The evidence for physiologic management of the active phase of the first stage of labor. Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health. 2007;52:207.
  2. Simkin P, et al. Update on nonpharmacologic approaches to relieve labor pain and prevent suffering. Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health. 2004;49:489.
  3. Simkin P, et al. Nonpharmacologic relief of pain during labor: Systematic reviews of five methods. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2002;186:S131.
  4. Frequently asked questions. Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum Care FAQ086. Pain relief during labor and delivery. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq086.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20121011T1146138222. Accessed Oct. 11, 2012.
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2010:1.
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  7. Gupta JK, et al. Position in the second stage of labour for women without epidural anesthesia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002006.pub3/abstract. Accessed Dec. 12, 2012.
  8. Lawrence A, et al. Maternal positions and mobility during first stage labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003934.pub2/abstract. Accessed Dec. 12, 2012.
  9. Hunter S, et al. Hands and knees posture in late pregnancy or labour for fetal malposition (lateral or posterior). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001063.pub3/abstract. Accessed Dec. 12, 2012.
  10. Kryger MH, et al. Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:1572.
  11. Effect of birth ball usage on pain in the active phase of labor: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health. 2011;56:137.
  12. Murry MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 13, 2012.
  13. Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 13, 2012.
PR00141 Feb. 6, 2013

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