06/23/2026
Staying upright and active during the first stage of labor has been found to:
-Reduce the 1st stage by approximately 1 hour and 22 mins
-Reduce the likelihood of a c-section
-Less likely to need an epidural
But what does this look like? There are so many ways to remain active during the 1st stage of labor! Lunge variations are just one example. This movement helps move the pelvis in what we call an asymmetrical way to help the baby progress down through the pelvis, which we need for birth! This video shows a kneeling position, but you can also do standing variations if kneeling isn’t comfortable.
What if you’ve had an epidural and cannot walk around? Don’t stress it! There are so many ways you and your birth partner or health care team can help you move while you’re in bed. This sidelying example is one way you can implement a lunge variation after an epidural.
Drop your questions below!
Research quoted from: PMID: 24105444
