The Labor Walk: 5 ways movement can make delivering your baby easier

Moving around during labor can make it smoother for you and your little one.

It's a familiar image: Parents-to-be, hands clasped across the hospital bed, while their doctor instructs the patient to "push!"

But when it's time to deliver your baby, lying flat in bed isn't always the best option. Moving around can make labor smoother and more comfortable — for you and your little one.

Research shows that movement can help your baby shift into a good position for delivery. Childbirth experts say it also makes labor less painful, helps it go quicker and lowers the chances of complications or the need for a C-section.

When you walk, change positions or use a birthing ball, it can encourage your baby into a head-down position in the womb. This is the easiest position for delivery. 

Moving your body often will help you find the birth position that feels best for you. You can also do some exercises with your partner, for added support.

Staying active and upright helps your body be more efficient because you're working with gravity, not against it. This can speed up the birthing process and make you less likely to need pain medication. 

It's important to work with your doctor or midwife to create a birth plan that's best for your needs. Doing exercises like the ones below can be a great way to incorporate movement as you get ready to welcome the newest member of your family.