Pelvic Rocking

Pelvic rocking is used by women in labour to help them focus during contractions and it can assist with moving the baby down the birth canal. Some women find this quite a natural thing to do, timing their breathing with their rocking, to give them a focus. Other women will practise this as a choice of another ‘toolbox’ tip for taking into labour.

Pelvic rocking can be used in upright positions, for example leaning on a bench or on a wall and also in the hands and knees position. Having this ‘tool’ means it gives another thing to do, which can distract you from the contractions, ease back ache and help the baby to move into position in its journey to be born.

During pregnancy, pelvic rocking is useful to ease backache and to keep flexibility and movement in the back and spine. Pelvic rocking while sitting on a Swiss ball can be comfortable, and an easy way to feel the movement as the ball helps the movement to flow. This position can also be used during labour, and leaning over a Swiss ball is another comfortable position that some women enjoy. The hands and knees position still uses gravity to help your baby to move down the birth canal into the pelvis to be born.

Partners and support people can assist with pelvic rocking, for example when facing forward leaning against your partner or support person, they can gently help you to move during a contraction in labour. This again is something that can be practiced a few times during pregnancy to help you to prepare together for labour as you discuss and explore the choices that you have available to you. Each extra tip that you have ‘up your sleeve’ can help you to feel more prepared for labour, and although you may not use them all, it can help to know that they are there as you need them.

Again, a little practice can help you to feel more prepared, and using pelvic rocking also is a tip for preparing for motherhood. It can be used when you have your baby, to ease back ache, and if you are used to sitting on a Swiss ball, your baby may enjoy the smooth rocking movement that this allows.

Enjoy the preparation, however if you do experience any discomfort with this sort of movement such as back or pelvic pain seek further advice from your health care professional.