What safe positions can relieve discomfort during the active labour phase?

Try to use gravity to increase the pressure on your cervix — doing so can shorten labour dilatation times without increasing contraction pain.  Go with your impulses as they arise through your labour. I strongly encourage you to walk, stand upright, move around, squat, sit reclined forward, kneel on a pillow with your head in your partner’s lap, squat on a birthing stool, lunge on all fours, pull on the furniture, drape off your partner’s shoulders, lie over a beanbag, or sit backwards on a chair.