The benefits of an active labour and 5 active labour positions to try
Jul 24, 2023
Active labour is an approach to childbirth that involves staying physically active and utilizing various positions and movements during the birthing process. This approach offers numerous benefits for both you and your baby. Let’s explore ten key advantages of having an active labour and five positions commonly used in active labour to promote a smoother and quicker childbirth experience.
Faster Progress
Active labour involves being physically active and moving around, which can help to promote efficient contractions and shorten the overall duration of labour.
Pain Management
Engaging in active labour positions and movements can provide natural pain relief by encouraging your baby to descend and engage in the birth canal, easing pressure and reducing discomfort.
Optimal Fetal Positioning
Active labour positions help facilitate optimal positioning of your baby, promoting your baby's descent and reducing the chances of complications such as posterior position or prolonged labour.
Increased Comfort
Changing positions frequently during active labour allows you to find the most comfortable positions for yourself, which can help to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Enhanced Blood Circulation
Active labour positions encourage better blood circulation, which can promote oxygenation and provide you with more energy.
Efficient Contractions
Active labour involves movements and positions that work with gravity, which can enhance the effectiveness of contractions and encourage progress.
Psychological Empowerment
Being active and engaged in the labour process can empower you, making you feel more in control and confident throughout the birthing experience.
Reduced Risk of Interventions
Active labour positions and movements often result in a lower likelihood of medical interventions such as epidurals, inductions, or caesarean sections.
Increased Pelvic Outlet
Active labour positions can help open your pelvic outlet, allowing more space for your baby to descend, facilitating a smoother and faster delivery.
Faster Recovery
Active labour positions can aid in a quicker recovery after childbirth due to improved muscle tone and blood circulation.
Positions for Active Labor
Upright Positions
Standing, walking, or leaning forward on a support such as a birth ball or partner's shoulders.
Squatting
Squatting can help widen your pelvic outlet and encourage effective contractions. This position can be done with support, such as using a squat bar or assistance from a birth companion.
All-Fours
Being on hands and knees can help relieve back pain, open the pelvis, and encourage your baby to rotate into an optimal position.
Sitting on a Birth Ball
Sitting and gently bouncing or rocking on a birth ball can help with relaxation, maintain an open pelvis, and provide comfort during contractions.
Leaning or Lunging
Leaning forward or lunging onto a support, such as a counter or bed, can aid in releasing tension, promoting the descent of your baby, and minimizing discomfort.