Kaaiaa Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Kaaiaa Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

    Guidelines for Positioning during Labour and Delivery

    Saturday, March 11, 2023 10:34 AM Comment(s) By Nav Grewal, PT

    What the major organizations recommend.

    People usually want to know what the best way to push and deliver is. Guidelines have been developed by all major organizations, which we share with you below, so you may make an informed decision regarding your birth plan and wishes.
    1. World Health Organization (WHO)

    The WHO recommends that women should be able to give birth in whichever position they feel most comfortable, and that their preferences should be respected. The organization notes that upright positions (such as squatting, kneeling, or standing) may be beneficial, as they can help to widen the pelvis and allow gravity to assist with the birth process. The WHO also advises that routine interventions (such as episiotomy, artificial rupture of membranes, and continuous fetal monitoring) should be avoided unless there is a clear medical indication.

    1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

    The ACOG recommends that women should have the freedom to choose their own birthing position, and that the position should be based on their individual preferences and the stage of labor. The organization notes that some positions (such as squatting or sitting on a birth ball) can help to open up the pelvis and may make labor progress more quickly. The ACOG also cautions against routine interventions, and advises that they should only be used when medically necessary.

    1. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)

    The RCOG recommends that women should be encouraged to move around and change positions during labor, and that they should be supported in finding a comfortable position for delivery. The organization notes that upright positions can help to reduce the length of labor, and may also reduce the need for pain relief. The RCOG also advises against routine interventions, and notes that they should only be used when there is clear medical justification.

    1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

    NICE recommends that women should be encouraged to adopt an upright position during labor and delivery, as this can help to reduce the length of labor and may also reduce the need for pain relief. The organization notes that women should be given the freedom to choose their own position, and that their preferences should be respected. NICE also advises against routine interventions, and notes that they should only be used when medically necessary.

    1. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)

    The SOGC recommends that women should be encouraged to move around and change positions during labor, and that they should be supported in finding a comfortable position for delivery. The organization notes that upright positions can help to reduce the length of labor and may also reduce the need for pain relief. The SOGC also advises against routine interventions, and notes that they should only be used when there is clear medical justification.

    1. International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)

    The ICM recommends that women should be given the freedom to choose their own birthing position, and that their preferences should be respected. The organization notes that upright positions (such as squatting, kneeling, or standing) may be beneficial, as they can help to widen the pelvis and allow gravity to assist with the birth process. The ICM also advises against routine interventions, and notes that they should only be used when medically necessary.


    In summary, major international organizations and associations recommend that women should be given the freedom to choose their own birthing position, and that their preferences should be respected. Upright positions are often recommended, as they can help to reduce the length of labor and may also reduce the need for pain relief. Routine interventions should be avoided unless there is a clear medical indication.

    Nav Grewal, PT