Does laying down slow contractions?

Labor contractions are the tightening and relaxing of the uterus as it prepares to deliver the baby. Contractions help the cervix dilate and move the baby down into the birth canal. While contractions are a normal part of labor, their timing and intensity can vary greatly among women. Some women wonder if lying down can help slow labor by decreasing the frequency and intensity of contractions.

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Does lying down slow early labor contractions?

In the early stages of labor, lying down may help relax the body and lead to slower, less intense contractions. Early labor contractions are just starting to efface and dilate the cervix. They are typically mild and somewhat irregular, occurring every 5-20 minutes and lasting 30-60 seconds. Many women are still comfortable lying down and resting during early labor.

Lying down on the left side is often recommended in early labor. This position improves blood flow to the uterus and may help contractions be more coordinated and effective. Laying on the left side can also improve comfort and relaxation, which may naturally slow contractions that are becoming too intense too soon. However, lying down may not directly decrease contraction frequency or intensity in early labor.

Tips for lying down in early labor

Lie on your left side with a pillow between your legs for comfort and support.
Use pillows under your head, behind your back, and under your belly for additional comfort.

Keep hydrated by having fluids within reach.
Stay relaxed between contractions by listening to music, meditation, or breathing exercises.
Have your partner give a gentle massage during contractions.

Use a birthing ball next to the bed to sway during contractions.
Change positions frequently for comfort.

Does lying down slow active labor contractions?

During active labor, lying down is less likely to slow contractions. Active labor is when contractions become longer, stronger, and closer together – generally every 3-5 minutes and lasting 60-90 seconds. The goal in active labor is to help the baby descend into the pelvis and put added pressure on the cervix to stimulate dilation. Lying down may work against these goals.

Being upright and mobile during active labor encourages the baby to move down and gravity to assist with dilation. Positions like walking, standing, squatting, lunging, or being on hands and knees are recommended. Lying on your back during active labor can cause compression of major blood vessels, limiting blood flow to the uterus and baby.

While lying down may provide some rest between contractions, staying upright will typically keep labor progressing efficiently. Most experts advise against spending long periods lying down once active labor is established, as this may stall labor.

Exceptions where lying down may help

Pain medication was administered that causes drowsiness.

Mother is excessively fatigued and unable to stay upright.
Baby needs to be turned if in a difficult position.
Resting between pushing contractions during the second stage.

Does lying on your side slow labor?

Lying on your side, especially the left side, is generally better for labor progression than lying flat on your back. Side-lying positions keep the uterus and other organs from compressing major blood vessels and nerves as readily. This improves blood flow and comfort compared to lying on the back.

In early labor, side-lying positions are ideal for resting and conserving energy. Slow deep breathing and relaxation techniques can also be used effectively. During active labor, side-lying can provide a temporary rest between contractions. The left side may help keep contractions coordinated, while the right side gives the baby more room to rotate and descend as needed.

Some examples of side-lying positions that can be used during labor include:

Modified Sims: Lie on your left side in a semi-fetal position with pillows between your legs and under your belly for support.
Pressed side: Lie on your left side with your back pressed against the surface of a birthing ball.
Angled side: Lie almost flat on your side with your upper leg angled forward on a birthing ball.

What positions are best to slow labor?

If labor is progressing too quickly and contractions are very intense, these positions may help slow things down a bit:

Sitting: Sitting upright or leaning forward relaxes the pelvis and may decrease contraction efficiency.
Side-lying: Relaxing on your side prevents gravity from intensifying contractions.

Leaning forward: Drape your arms over a birthing ball or stand and sway your hips.
Modified child’s pose: Kneel with your belly on a birthing ball and relax your upper body.
Slow dancing: Stand with support and gently sway as your partner holds you.

Using breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and hydrotherapy can also help slow labor without medication.

What positions are best to speed up labor?

If contractions begin to space out and slow down, using these upright positions can intensify contractions to speed up labor:

Walking: Walk around at a comfortable pace and rhythm to keep contractions coming.

Lunging: Lunge during contractions to let gravity move the baby down.
Squatting: Squat while holding on to a bar or partner for support.
Sitting upright: Use a birthing ball chair or stable stool in an upright posture.

Standing: Stand and rock or sway your hips during contractions.
Hands and knees: Get on all fours and rock back and forth as needed.

Nipple stimulation and acupressure can also potentially augment labor to speed it up without medical intervention.

When should you lie down to slow labor?

Here are some key times when lying down may be helpful to relax the body and naturally slow labor:

Early labor, during the latent phase when contractions are still irregular.
If contractions become very frequent, long, and intense before the cervix is fully dilated.

Transition stage, to rest briefly between close contractions before pushing.
For brief periods when needing to turn a malpositioned baby.
During pushing stage, lying semi-reclined for comfort between contractions.

Can you slow down contractions without medication?

It is often possible to slow contractions without medications by using natural techniques. Methods to relax the body and naturally decrease contraction intensity include:

Resting and lying down on your side.
Hydrotherapy – warm shower or bath.

Massage of the lower back during contractions.
Yoga positions that open the pelvis.
Breathing exercises using long, slow exhales.

Counting long inhales and exhales to distract the mind.
Hypnobirthing relaxation and visualization.
Having a cool cloth on the forehead.

If natural methods are unable to slow an excessively rapid labor, then medications may be considered, such as narcotics or anesthesia in certain cases.

When to avoid lying down in labor?

While lying down can provide rest, there are times when it is best avoided:

Active labor after 5-6 cm dilation until baby descends into pelvis.

If contractions slow down or stall after lying down for a period of time.
When feeling urge to push at complete dilation.
If mother has high blood pressure – upright positions improve blood flow.

When baby needs to rotate into optimal position.

Listen to your instincts and your healthcare provider’s guidance on optimal positioning during each stage of labor.

Takeaways on whether laying down slows contractions

Laying down may help contractions be slower and less intense in early labor.

Upright positions are best for keeping labor progressing in active labor.
Side-lying positions may provide more comfort and rest without stalling labor as readily.
Many natural techniques can augment and slow labor without medications.

Work with your provider to determine optimal positioning during each phase of labor.

While laying down may seem counterproductive, brief periods of rest while side-lying can be beneficial during labor. Listen to your body’s needs and gravitate towards positions that feel most productive and comfortable as you progress. With your provider’s guidance, you can work with your body’s natural labor rhythm and positioning preferences for the safest birth.