Movement & Positioning
Evidence Based Care EBC
Movement & Positioning During Labor
Movement is one of the simplest and most effective tools available during labor.
Research suggests that remaining upright, mobile, and free to change positions during labor may support comfort, labor progress, and overall birth satisfaction.
Rather than remaining in one position, many women benefit from walking, swaying, squatting, lunging, hands-and-knees positions, using a birth ball, and other gravity-supported movements.
What the Research Shows
Research has found that women who remain upright and mobile during labor often experience:
• Shorter labors
• Fewer interventions
• Lower cesarean birth rates
• Less severe pain
• Greater satisfaction with their birth experience
• Increased freedom to respond to their body’s needs
Why It Matters
Movement helps labor work with the body rather than against it.
Changing positions throughout labor can help:
• Create space within the pelvis
• Encourage baby’s descent
• Support comfort during contractions
• Promote labor progress
• Reduce tension and fatigue
Every labor is different, and the most beneficial position is often the one that feels right in the moment.
Faithful Birth Application
Movement and positioning are foundational components of The GIFTED Method™.
G — Gravity-Supported Positions
Using upright and gravity-friendly positions can help support labor progress and comfort.
I — Intentional Movement
Purposeful movement during labor may help create space, encourage optimal positioning, and support the natural process of birth.
During labor, we encourage mothers to listen to their bodies and utilize movement, positioning, and comfort measures that support both mother and baby.
Key References
Ondeck, M. (2019). Healthy Birth Practice #2: Walk, Move Around, and Change Positions Throughout Labor.