What is the recommended position for a woman to relieve back pain during labor?

The recommended position for a woman to relieve back pain during labor is standing or walking. This position utilizes gravity to assist in the descent of the baby, which can help alleviate pressure on the lower back. Additionally, movement during labor can promote comfort, enhance circulation, and facilitate the natural processes of labor. Active positions such as standing or walking also allow a woman to find a stance that minimizes discomfort while maximizing the efficiency of contractions. Furthermore, these positions can be beneficial in rotating the baby into a more favorable position for delivery.

Other positions like lying flat on the back can increase discomfort and may not be ideal during labor. Sitting in a chair does provide some relief but may not offer the same benefits as standing or walking. Lying on her side can be comfortable and may help with certain types of pain, but it does not utilize gravity in the same way active positions do.