The Best Positions For Childbirth

Did you know that the classic birth position is not recommended for several reasons? Here is a list of the best positions for childbirth, so that you can consider the advantages and complications that characterize each of them.

Throughout history, the postures in which women gave birth have gone through several changes. What today is the most common, the recumbent or lithotomy position, was introduced in 1668 by Doctor François Mauriceau. However, its use is not recommended for several reasons. What, then, are the best positions for childbirth?

Many academics and practitioners of gynecology have addressed enormous criticisms of the posture typically employed in labor. In this position, the woman is lying face up, supine and with her legs raised. The latter, in turn, are placed on supports that prevent them from moving.

The foundations of its use are two. On the one hand, constant monitoring of the baby’s heart rate, which, according to the World Health Organization, is, in many cases, an unnecessary intervention.

On the other hand, although it may seem strange, the posture is intended to make the work of medical assistants more comfortable. Since it would be very difficult to assist a woman who moves and changes position, it was decided to adopt this method. The curious thing is the fact that it is the patient who adapts to medical needs, when, in reality, exactly the opposite should happen.

Risks of the supine horizontal position

After this necessary introduction, it is worth highlighting the risks of this position for childbirth:

• Possibility of  risk for the baby, because the blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood are compressed.

• The pain  of the mother increases.
• It cancels the possible effect of gravity to facilitate delivery and lengthens the path of the fetus to the exit.
• It immobilizes the woman, delaying dilation and prolonging the process.
• Potentiates the  risks of severe perineal injury.
• It involves an  invasive medicalization of childbirth, which is not always necessary.

The best positions for childbirth

Considering what has been said, we now provide a list of the best positions for childbirth. The choice of one or the other will depend on the preferences and specific needs of each woman.

1. With the trunk upright

This section includes standing and kneeling positions. The main advantages are the use of gravity in favor of the baby’s descent and correct fetal-pelvic alignment.

In addition, the major blood vessels are not compressed. Consequently, the baby is not at risk, and neither will the mother suffer from arterial hypertension. In addition, the contractions will be more intense and effective, but less painful.

The opposite argument is the decrease in control over the reward. So, if the expulsion happens too quickly, there is a possibility that a tear will occur. Similarly, assistance provided by another person is hindered.

2. Sitting

It can be done on the bed, on the floor, on a ball or even on a chair, looking towards the back. It has similar benefits to the previous position in terms of gravity and alignment.

When the baby’s head comes out, another posture must be adopted, because the support will make expulsion impossible. However,  the positive aspect of sitting is that this position allows for monitoring and application of the epidural. Also, the woman can rest.

3. Lying on your side

In this way,  the lower back relaxes and the blood circulation in the legs is facilitated.  It is good posture in cases of hypertension or hypotension, because no pressure is exerted on the blood vessels.

The contractions are longer, but also more effective. It is considered one of the most effective postures, because it allows the woman to rest and considerably reduces the risk of perineal injury.

4. On the knees

Generally, this posture is done on a bed. Let your body weight fall on your heels, while separating the knees as much as possible and bringing the toes together. This facilitates dilation.

Even if the birth is slowed down a little, in this position the force of gravity presents no difficulty. In addition, this posture  allows excellent oxygenation and takes the load off the shoulders.

It can be too tiring for a long labor, but a ball can be used to support the trunk at certain times. In addition, it allows the back to receive massages.

Finally, it must be emphasized that there is no perfect position. The ideal, in any case, is that the woman has the freedom to move and satisfy the demands that her body presents at that particular moment.

However, this is difficult because it makes medical assistance almost impossible. Therefore, it is  necessary to find a meeting point in which the woman feels free and which, at the same time, does not take away the possibility of helping her.

Many hospitals are taking steps in this direction. In this way, they facilitate the adoption of the best positions for childbirth.