Movement is quite an underestimated method of recognised pain relief. Changing position, walking, stomping and
pelvic rocking work by activating receptors in the woman's joints to help diminish her pain, along the lines of the
gate control theory. It also alters the complex relationship between gravity, uterine contractions, the baby and the woman's pelvis, taking pressure off areas that are hurting (such as the lower back).
Most women will instinctually move around during their labour, to help them deal with the pain that they are experiencing. When women are not instructed to get onto a delivery suite bed, they tend to use more upright positions and incorporate some form of movement during contractions. Women will often voice that the movement helps them get through each contraction. This is in line with how we react when we hurt ourselves with instinctive responses to 'jump up and down' or 'swing' the area we have hurt (a hand, for example) back and forth.
There are some movements that many women find helpful in managing their pain during the labour.
You may wish to try: