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# Making the right moves during childbirth
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/making-the-right-moves-during-childbirth/
- Published: 2003-06-10T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T02:18:01.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Health, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Guest Commentary By Anne Heffernan, R.N., B.S.N., C.C.E*

QUESTION: What are the best positions for childbirth and what will be my physical limitations during labor and delivery?

ANSWER: Staying mobile at home during early labor is often feasible for many women and most moms find that walking around helps to relieve discomfort.

We try not to restrict physical activity during labor and birth at Saint John’s, but it really depends on each individual’s personal experience. Ambulating (walking) during labor can promote progress and be an effective comfort measure, but unrestricted mobility may not be possible due to the need for fetal monitoring and epidural anesthesia.

Even with continuous fetal monitoring, which restricts movement, your nurse and doctor can work with you to arrange for sitting in a rocker, standing by the bedside, etc., to allow you some mobility during labor. In addition, intermittent fetal monitoring can be an option, with your doctor’s orders.

A woman may choose to have an epidural for pain management in labor. Epidurals now create less numbing of the legs than in the past, but usually you must remain in bed.

If you choose to have an epidural and your physical activity is restricted, you can still change position frequently in bed under the guidance of your nurse. If you have been mobile in early labor, you may enjoy a nap after getting an epidural, prior to the pushing stage.

During the pushing stage, it’s good to try different positions to find out which one suits you best. The most common position is the “C” shape, where the mother is on her back in a sit-up position with legs abducted out and back to widen the diameters of the pelvis. In this position, the mother is assisted by her nurse and support person(s).

Other pushing positions that work well include pushing on your side. However, remember that your legs must remain wide apart so your upper leg has to be held up by either the nurse or your support person. Your nurse will give you directions and your support person can also help.

If the fetal heart rate tracing is reassuring, you can also try moving upright into a squatting position, which uses gravity to help facilitate the descent of the baby and may be a great alternative for some mothers. The birthing bed can be modified and a squatting bar attached to assist you if you choose this option.

Whichever position you ultimately choose, it’s important to keep in mind that while it’s good to have goals about physical activity and childbirth positions in advance of labor and the delivery itself, much will depend on your own actual circumstances. Be prepared to remain flexible about your options and collaborate with your care-givers. Remember that the ultimate goal is a healthy mom and baby. (Anne Heffernan, R.N., is a clinical educator and Lamaze instructor at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. For more information, contact Saint John’s at (310) 829-5511 or visit the hospital’s Web site at www.stjohns.org.)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 10, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/061003.pdf?ref=smdp.com)