The birth positions: the five possible options

The positions of childbirth

There isn't one ideal position for all and each one, once labor has begun, she should be free to put herself in the way that is most comfortable for her, allowing her to relieve the pain of contractions and to facilitate the baby's descent along the vaginal canal. Because every woman is different but above all every birth is different.

Let's see the advantages and any disadvantages of various positions in which it is possible to face the moment of the baby's birth, it being understood that each one must be free to make her choice and to change position as often as she wants, while the health care staff should never obstruct this sacrosanct right!

In this article

• The supine position
• The crouched position
• The position on all fours
• The standing position
• The lateral position

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27 UNMISSABLE advice on labor and delivery for expectant mothers

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What awaits you during labor? And the birth? Get informed, listen to your body, use your abs, don't forget to take pictures, don't let the pain overwhelm you and lots of it ...

The supine position

• Advantages

The supine position is the one preferred by obstetricians and gynecologists, because it allows you to constantly monitor the situation and intervene if necessary with any maneuvers. It also allows mothers to rest between contractions.

• disadvantages

While lying down, the baby bump can compress the vena cava, an important vein that carries blood from the legs to the heart, and this could cause a drop in blood pressure and a sense of faintness, also reducing the baby's oxygenation.

Furthermore, this position immobilizes the pelvis, which should be able to move freely during labor to support the descent of the fetus.

Crouched position

• Advantages

The squatting position favors the relaxation of the pelvic muscles, the opening of the vaginal canal and the descent of the baby, using the force of gravity.

For it to be more effective and more comfortable, it is good that the mother places her feet well on the ground (even with the heel!) And clings with her arms to a chair, to the bed or to her partner, who should always be next to her to provide all support, both physical and psychological.

• disadvantages

If the leg muscles are not trained enough, it is a position that becomes tired after a while and causes soreness. If so, you could alternate with other locations.

Read also: When does labor start?

Kneeling position

• Advantages

The position on all fours does not tire the legs because the knees are resting on the ground or on a pillow, while the arms are supported on the bed or a chair. In this case the ball to lean on with all arms and also with the head turned on its side is very comfortable. Alternatively, a chair with a cushion is also fine. Also in this position you can relax your back better. The pelvis has greater freedom of movement, and this allows the woman to find the position that best supports the baby's thrusts and relieves the pains.

• disadvantages

Some women may feel embarrassed to be in this position, especially if there are other women in the labor room or if the room door is open. In this case it is good to ask the midwives first if you can count on greater intimacy.

Standing position

• Advantages

In the standing position, with the arms around the partner's neck, or supported by the partner's armpits, the woman bends her knees and supports the baby's pressures: it is certainly one of the positions that makes the most of the force of gravity and favors the descent of the baby. fetus. In the pauses between one contraction and the next, the woman has the opportunity to move a few steps, if she feels like it.

• disadvantages

If there is no rope in the labor room, it could be tiring… for the partner!

Lateral position

• Advantages

In the lateral position, lying on the bed on your side, with the outer leg bent towards the chest and the arms clinging to the headboard to give greater force in the thrusts: it is a fairly comfortable position, which allows you to relax between a contraction and the 'other. The belly does not compress the veins and there is no overload on the back, especially a pillow is placed between the knees and a pillow is placed.

• disadvantages

The pelvis does not have the same freedom of movement as the other positions, but the possibility remains to move and spread the legs to accommodate the contractions.

TAG:

• give birth
• Natural childbirth
• labor
• birth