Active Birth: What It Really Means (and Why It’s About More Than Movement)

Pregnancy brings many questions about what to expect during labour. One term you might hear often is active birth. But what does active birth really mean? Active birth often brings to mind images of movement during labour - walking, swaying of changing position. While movement is a key part of active birth, the concept runs much deeper; it's about having options, understanding your body, and feeling involved in the process in order to support your autonomy, comfort, and connection with your body. . This post will explore what active birth truly means, why movement and choice matter, and how this approach applies to all types of births.

What Active Birth Actually Means

Active birth is often misunderstood. Some imagine it as constant movement or a specific way to behave during labour. In reality, active birth means being engaged in your birth experience. It’s about listening to your body, engaging in your body's natural rhythms, making choices that feel right for you, and moving freely in ways that bring comfort.

It does not require you to be on your feet all the time or to perform certain exercises. Nor does it depend on your personality or how strong-willed you are. Instead, active birth is about having the freedom to explore different positions and actions that support your labour.

Why Movement and Choice Matter in Labour

Movement during labour is more than just physical activity. It plays a key role in how you feel and how your labour progresses. Here are some reasons why movement and choice are important:

• Comfort

Changing positions can help reduce pain and pressure. For example, leaning forward or squatting can open the pelvis and ease contractions.

• Confidence

When you move and choose what feels best, you build trust in your body’s ability to birth. This confidence can reduce fear and tension.

• Feeling involved

Labour can feel overwhelming if you are passive. Active birth encourages you to participate, making you feel in control rather than just a bystander.

Active Birth Is Not About Doing It “Right”

There is no single “right” way to have an active birth. It’s not about following strict rules or meeting expectations. Instead, it’s about:

• Having options

Knowing different positions and techniques you can try. Having freedom to move and listening to your body.

• Understanding your body

Recognising what helps you feel better or more relaxed, and trusting your body's ability to give birth.

• Adapting as labour changes

Being flexible and open to new approaches as your labour progresses.

For example, you might start labour walking around your home, then find comfort in a warm bath, and later prefer lying on your side with an epidural. All of these can be part of an active birth if you are making choices that suit your needs.

How Active Birth Applies to All Types of Births

Active birth is not limited to spontaneous labours without interventions. It can be part of inductions, epidurals, and even theatre births (caesarean sections). Here’s how:

• Spontaneous labour

You can move freely, try different positions, and use breathing techniques.

• Inductions

Even with medical interventions, you can stay active by walking or changing positions between contractions.

• Epidurals

While movement may be limited, you can still make choices about your position and how you engage with your birth team.

• Theatre births

In planned or emergency caesareans, active birth might mean being informed, making decisions about who is present, or choosing how you hold your baby immediately after birth.

The key is to stay connected to your experience and make choices where possible.

The Benefits of Active Birth

Research and experience show that active birth can lead to:

• Shorter labour: Upright positions use gravity to help the baby descend. 

• Less pain: Movement and position changes can reduce pressure and discomfort. 

• Fewer interventions: When the body is allowed to work naturally, there may be less need for drugs or surgical procedures. 

• Greater satisfaction: Feeling in control and supported improves the overall birth experience. 

• Better outcomes for baby: Active birth supports optimal positioning and oxygen flow. 

Addressing Common Misconceptions

• Active birth is only for home births: Many hospitals now support active birth practices. 

• You must avoid pain relief: Active birth does not exclude pain relief; it encourages informed choices. 

• Movement means constant activity: Rest and stillness are also part of active birth when the body needs it. 

• It’s only about physical positions: Emotional and mental support is equally important. 

Why Learning About Active Birth Before Labour Matters

Labour is intense and unpredictable. Trying to learn new concepts or techniques during labour can be overwhelming. Preparing ahead gives you time to:

• Educate yourself: Learn about different positions, comfort techniques, and understand your options

• Practice: Movements, biomechanics, or breathing exercises

• Discuss your preferences: Talk with your partner, birth support, and birth team

• Stay flexible: Be open to adapting as labour unfolds while keeping your core preferences in mind. Build confidence in your ability to adapt

  
  

This preparation helps you feel ready and supported, which can improve your overall birth experience.

Embracing Your Birth Experiences

Active birth is about feeling part of your birth journey, no matter what it looks like. It’s about respect for your body, your choices, and your unique labour. Whether you move around, use pain relief, or have a caesarean, you can still experience active birth by staying engaged and informed.

Remember, your birth is your story. Embrace the options and movements that help you feel strong, comfortable, and involved.