• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Pregnancy Logo 2018

Pregnancy Magazine

Pregnancy and infancy news, tips, and reviews

“Great
  • Pregnancy
  • Labor & Delivery
  • Baby
  • Breastfeeding
  • Buyer’s Guide
  • mom

The key to a faster birth? Lie on your side during labor

by Emme Lukasik Leave a Comment

new mom and newborn baby

A new study published in the British Medical Journal serves to debunk your doctor’s advice that walking during labor leads to faster outcomes. Through a randomized trial of more than 3,000 first-time mothers, the research team out of the University of Birmingham in England studied the effects of two laboring positions.

All of the expectant mothers in the group shared similar pregnancy health profiles and were expecting single births. Forty percent of the group had labor induced. During the second stage of labor, each of the women received an epidural–with a low enough dosage to allow for physical activity. Half of the women were encouraged to walk during labor or assume a kneeling or upright position. The other half was instructed to lie down in bed.

The results are in

While the differences in outcome aren’t huge, those who lay on their sides throughout active labor experienced faster spontaneous births. In the United Kingdom, where forceps use is more prevalent, this study noted that the second group–comprising those who lay down–had a smaller likelihood of needing forceps during birth. Women in the first group–those who walked, knelt, or sat upright–had only a 35.2 percent chance of delivering without forceps; while 41.1 percent of those who lay down delivered forceps-free.

Read more: Quicker labor with a peanut ball

online pharmacy purchase revia without prescription with best prices today in the USA
online pharmacy kamagra-gold no prescription with best prices today in the USA

Sure, these numbers are small, but statistically they’re worth noting for any pregnant woman looking to shorten labor time. As the study’s lead author, Dr. Peter Brocklehurst, told the New York Times, “We’d recommend that women try to lie down on their sides when the cervix is fully dilated …most women want to have a spontaneous vaginal birth, so most will try to lie on their side if that gives them a better chance.”

Now, it’s your turn: What do you think of this recent study? Will it affect how you choose to labor? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments below.

online pharmacy buy stendra no prescription with best prices today in the USA

Filed Under: Pregnancy

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe

Peaceful Discipline by Sarah Moore

More to See

parent coaching

Parent Coaching: 3 Ways to Create a More Joyful Home

By Sarah Moore

The perfect workout for pregnant women (sponsored)

By Isa Herrera, MSPT CSCS

Ternx Luggage stroller packs clothes and goes on the plane 2025

By Emme Lukasik

25 Cutting-Edge AI Baby Monitors Perfect for the Modern Mom

By Paul Banas

Footer

© Copyright –2025 Pregnancy Magazine Group

Emails powered by Wishpond: PregnancyWishpond

Dedicated WordPress hosting: PregnancyFlywheel

WordPress Theme: PregnancyTheme

This website provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for an examination by your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

 

Recent

  • Chop and Blend Like a Pro: The Best Immersion Blenders Go Beyond Blending
  • Ternx Luggage stroller packs clothes and goes on the plane 2025
  • 25 Cutting-Edge AI Baby Monitors Perfect for the Modern Mom
  • 25 BBQ Gifts That Will Make Dad the King of the Grill
  • Father’s Day Gift Ideas: Travel Gear for the Modern Dad

Search

© © Copyright –2025 Pregnancy Magazine Group · All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT