Six midwife-approved positions that can help you have an easier birth (and that's got to be good!)
Most experts agree that the traditional position for labour of lying down on your back (which we always see in films and on TV) isn’t necessarily the best way to give birth.
The most important thing during the first stage of labour is to stay as upright and mobile as possible to enable your baby’s head to descend. This puts pressure on the cervix, stimulating the release of the hormone prostaglandin, which in turn encourages contractions.
Make sure you rest when your legs get tired, though – lying on the bed on your left side is a great position for taking a breather. It’s hard with everything else going on, but try to stay calm and listen to your body.
Worried about the birth? Find out the pros and cons of home, hospital or birth unit for the big day.
