The Power of Movement in Labor: How Position Changes Support Birth

Oct 12

When it comes to preparing for birth, movement is one of the most powerful tools you have. It’s the only “intervention” in labor that doesn’t come with side effects. When used intentionally, it can make a huge difference in your comfort, progress, and overall birth experience.

At Prenatal Yoga Las Vegas, we teach mindful movement and body awareness that support you not only during pregnancy, but also throughout labor and birth. Understanding when to move, when to rest, and how to adapt your position can help your body and baby work together more efficiently.

**Belly sifting using the Rebozo Manteada**

Why Movement Matters in Labor

Movement helps:

Encourage your baby to find the optimal position for birth
Open your pelvis and make more room for baby’s descent
Boost circulation and oxygen flow
Manage contractions and pain naturally
Support progress when labor slows down

Even small adjustments, a gentle sway, a lunge, or rolling to your other side can create meaningful change.

When to Move During Labor

1. During Active Labor
This is when contractions become stronger and more regular. Movement like standing sways, walking, or leaning forward over a birth ball can help your baby descend and rotate into a good position.

2. When Labor Stalls
If contractions slow down, movement can help get things going again. Try walking the halls, changing positions in bed, or using gravity-friendly poses like hands-and-knees or lunges.

3. When Trying to Start Labor
Gentle prenatal yoga poses, hip circles on a birth ball, or walking can help stimulate contractions when your body is ready.

4. When Feeling Discomfort or Pressure
Sometimes simply shifting positions helps relieve discomfort and allows baby to reposition for an easier birth.

5. Between Contractions
Use breaks to rest, breathe, and reset. Alternating rest and movement helps maintain your strength for the long haul.

Movement Tips for a Hospital Birth

Hospital settings sometimes make movement trickier, but it’s still possible!

Monitors:
Continuous fetal monitoring can limit your range of motion. Ask your provider if your hospital offers wireless monitors (telemetry) that allow you to move freely.

IVs:
If you have an IV, it needs to come with you as you move. Some providers may offer a heplock, which is a capped IV line that allows intermittent fluids or medications, giving you more freedom to move around.

Movement and the Epidural

Even with an epidural, movement is essential! Although you won’t have full use of your legs, your care team can help you change positions regularly.

Side-to-side flipping: This helps the epidural distribute evenly and encourages baby’s descent.
Use of a peanut ball: Placed between your knees, it keeps your pelvis open and can speed up dilation.
Catheter awareness: Most epidural births involve a catheter, so your nurse will assist with safe position changes.

Always discuss your movement preferences with your provider and care team before active labor begins.

The Role of a Doula in Labor Movement

Having a doula can make an incredible difference during labor. A doula can suggest new positions, guide your partner in supporting you, and remind you to move when you might otherwise stay still.

First-time parents often find it helpful to have someone experienced who knows how to use movement to bring baby closer and make labor more efficient and comfortable.

Movement Suggestions for Each Stage of Labor

Early Labor

Active Labor

**“Reverse cowgirl” on the toilet (also known as dilation station!)**

**Side-lying with a peanutball or pillow**

Pushing Stage

**Squatting with a birth bar for resistance**

**Semi-reclined with legs supported for leverage**

**Hands-and-knees (great for baby rotation and pelvic opening)**

Final Thoughts

Movement during labor is natural, safe, and empowering. Whether you’re birthing in a hospital, at home, or in a birth center, being intentional about your positioning can make all the difference.

At Prenatal Yoga Las Vegas, we help expectant parents learn how to tune into their bodies, build strength, and trust the process of birth. One breath and one movement at a time.

Interested in learning more?
Join our Prenatal Yoga Las Vegas classes to explore movement for pregnancy, birth, and beyond. We’ll help you prepare physically and mentally for one of life’s most transformative journeys.