3.1.3  Position and mobility

Several considerations govern the choice of position during the first stage of labour. Of these the most important is that of maternal preference — how she prefers to give birth. But some women need your encouragement to try different positions.

Help the woman move during labour. She can squat, sit, kneel or take other positions (Figure 3.2). All of these positions are good. Changing positions helps the cervix open more evenly.

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Figure 3.2  Changing position in the first stage helps the mother to cope better with her labour.