Giving birth could be considered one of the most natural things to do for a pregnant woman. However, it is not so simple for many and more often than not, it is due to the baby’s position around the time of the birth. Come, let’s take a deeper look into the optimal labour and birthing positions for a smooth and safe delivery.
In order to know how to get a baby in the right position for birth, we should first understand how should baby be positioned for birth.
The ideal delivery position for a smooth vaginal birth is with the baby’s head facing down. The baby should be facing the back of the mother and the chin should be neatly tucked in towards its chest, known as the cephalic presentation, this position is the perfect position for the baby to pass through the birth canal without any limbs getting stuck on the way.
Now, let’s take a look at 10 of the best birthing and labour positions for the mother to ensure she has a safe and smooth delivery.
In this position, the mother is on her knees and hands, like doing a cat and cow breathing in yoga. If your baby is not in the optimal position yet, this position can help a lot. It can also open up your pelvis and help improve the baby’s heart rate.
Not all women find it comfortable to push laying flat on their backs. Some prefer to just sit and gravity do the work. You can sit on a birthing chair or the toilet with legs wide apart.
A favourite birthing prop for many women. You can sit on the birthing ball, move it under your hips to relieve pressure, rest your upper body on it and kneel down (similar to all fours position).
When you squat, your hips open up and give the baby more space to move into the right labour position. Though many may not like it, it can be a great position if the baby’s head has not dropped fully yet.
Many women prefer to turn to their sides rather than lay on their backs when going into labour. Staying on your back can start hurting if the labour is long. You can change sides and help the baby move down when you are on your side.
Now, let’s look at some of the best baby-birthing positions:
Squatting is not only a great exercise towards the end of your pregnancy or a good labour position, it is a very good baby delivery position as well. It is one of the most preferred positions by women who want to have a natural birth. Be it on land or in water. When you squat and push the baby, gravity will also help.
Even when you are on your back to give birth, someone will hold you up in a reclined position when you start pushing. A reclined position using a wall or the bed itself for support can give you breaks between contractions.
Birthing stools can be used to support many of the above-mentioned positions, like squatting, on all fours or even water birth. Similarly, a birthing bar can be added to your labour bed to give you support for various positions, when you want to hold on to something and push.
This position can help turn the baby if it is not facing the mother’s back even before going into labour. The mother can support her arms on the floor, on a birthing bar, stool or even a birthing ball.
This may not be the most preferred baby delivery position, but it helps to get gravity on your side. You can lunge, squat or lean on someone for support while delivering your baby.
Your doctor will monitor the different positions of the baby during pregnancy. Baby positions during pregnancy can change until you go into labour. Choosing your labour and birthing positions after discussing them with your doctor or midwife can make the entire experience more relaxing
However, your birthing plan might change at the last minute due to the baby’s position, health or your health. So, even if your well-planned birthing plan does not work out, don’t be very disappointed. Just focus on both your safety and comfort.
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