From Giving Birth with Confidence.

• Research shows that restricting movement reduces the effectiveness of contractions, prolongs labor and increases Pitocin use.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages freedom of position and movement and discourages the supine (back-lying) position during labor.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) encourages you to change positions often during labor.

You’ll Need to Stay in Bed or Have Help Moving If:

• You’re having preterm labor.
• You have severe pregnancy-induced hypertension.
• You have epidural or spinal medication.
• You have narcotic medication through an IV.

How to Avoid Unnecessary Restricted Movement

• Discuss movement and various labor positions with your caregiver.
• Find out if your birth site restricts walking and movement during labor.
• Consider changing your birth site if it will restrict your movement while you labor.
• Labor at home as long as possible, walking and moving freely.
• Have a doula or other support person.
• Remember that walking, moving and changing positions help your labor progress.

How to Keep Labor as Safe and Healthy as Possible if Your Movement is Restricted

• Labor at home as long as possible, walking, moving and changing positions freely.
• Change positions often in bed:
  • Move from side to side.
  • Sit on the side of the bed.
  • Kneel while leaning your head and shoulders against the raised head of the bed.
  • Lie in different directions; for example, move your head to the foot of the bed.
  • Squat while supported.
  • Remember that the more you move, the more efficient your contractions will be.