Side-Lying Exercises for Pregnancy
Side-lying is the most restful and least active of the positions. It doesn’t use gravity or promote movement in the same way as the other positions, but is a great relaxation position to use at any point in labor when you feel tired. It is much better than lying on your back during labor, which apart from slowing things down, is usually extremely uncomfortable.
Side-lying even can be used as a position in which to give birth to your baby if none of the others seem to be working. Midwives often like mothers being in this position as it is easy for them to see what is happening with the baby.
If you have been practising the other, more active, positions, this is a good one with which to end your practice as you can both lie down together
First stage
Lie down on your mat on one side, whichever side feels more comfortable. Place cushions where you feel you may need them, such as under one leg, or between your knees, or under your abdomen, chest, or neck. This is where the big breastfeeding cushions can be great to hug. Now your partner can snuggle in next to you. He can lie behind you, with his abdomen against your back, hugging you and maybe even placing his hands on your abdomen. You could rest in this position doing the baby breath hug together
Second stage
You may need to prop yourself up on one arm a little. Your partner gets up and holds your foot so that you can push against him, imagining you are bearing down.
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