COVID-19 updates
Featured conditions Brain tumor, breast cancer, colon cancer, congenital heart disease, heart arrhythmia. See more conditions.
Featured conditions
Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.
Subscribe to Housecall
Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.
There's no perfect position for labor. However, trying different positions can help you feel more in control and cope with the pain. Research suggests that certain positions can also enhance the progress of labor. By involving your labor partner, you might feel greater support, too. As your labor progresses, try positions until you find one that helps you feel comfortable.
Keep in mind that with the use of some pain relief medications you might be restricted to bed or to a specific position. If you have preferences for your position during labor, talk to your health care provider.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.