Questions for labor positions

[nikkchikk]

If any US ladies can answer this for me, I would appreciate it!

I plan on delivering vaginally in a hospital with my OB/GYN. I've always thought that when you go into labor you are sitting up or laying down. I was doing some reading about labor positions and apparently the best position is squatting or all fours. Those give the maximum pelvic widening. Well, I have some concerns about being able to deliver vaginally because of my mom. Her pelvic opening was too small to allow even my head through, which resulted in an emergency c-section. I'm concerned I may be built the same way.

I'll ask the doc about this at the my next appt, but from your experience, do I have the choice of position during labor?

 

[4forme]

As long as your water doesnt break then yes you should be able to move all around your room. If it does they make you lay in bed because of concerns with prolapsed cord. At least where i'm from its that way.

 

[lynnikins]

im not in the US but if you want to deliver on your hands and knees then unless there is actual real risk to you or baby then id say fight for it, being on your back keeps the pelvis closed as the tailbone cant move back out of the way of babys head making the pelvic opening 30% smaller! id avoid being on your back as much as possible theres no medical reason why they cant do an assisted delivery ( if it came to that ) with you on your side rather than on your back, they just get better access but its not their comfort thats important its yours!

 

[FeistyMom]

I was the same way - I'd always just assumed the old on your back with your feet up was the 'best' way to deliver since it seemed most common, and was surprised to hear so many other positions! I've delivered two in the traditional propped up but on your back position, without *too* much difficulty, but I did tear both times. This time I am going to try squatting I think - just did my hospital tour, and each bed comes with an attachable squatting bar, so unless there is some reason I can't squat and/or it isn't working for me, I'll be trying it!

 

[goddess25]

You can change your position as you want and feel like. I gave birth on all fours last time and loved that position.

 

[teal]

I had to deliver in the lithotomy position because I was hooked up to a monitor because of a thick meconium in my waters (and baby wasn't happy) but all throughout my pregnancy the midwives were promoting an active labour - being able to move around and trying different positions to see what you're most comfortable in xx

 

[luvmyfam]

I think most hospitals in the US will let you labor and push in any position. BUT... If you have an epidural you have to be laying down with legs in stirrups and if you have pitocin they won't let you out of bed (at least at the hospital I delivered at).

 

[Seity]

I used a midwife at my hospital, but I was allowed to labor and birth in whatever position I wanted. I was kneeling at the first urges to push, but the MW suggested moving to my back because many first time mom's find it easier to push in that position. I switched to my back and he popped out on the 3rd push, head and all, so I can't say if I'd have stayed on my back or switched positions again if it had lasted longer.

 

[aj11]

i also was all over the room and bed. in the beginning stages i preferred the birthing ball, then i did alot of moving around (even standing and kneeling in the shower). after my epidural i was quite comfortable on my side. for pushing i was sitting up first holding my knees up, but had to lay back to get the baby past my pelvic bone. it was pretty comfortable though, and i pushed just under 20 minutes (about 15 pushes total).

 

[LauraLu]

With my first baby, I was laying almost completely flat for most of the time. I dilated quickly, but pushed for 2 hours - ick.

With my second baby, I walked around (with pitocin), got an epi., dilated slowly, and pushed for 2 MINUTES!!! I sat up the entire time...and felt NOOOOOO pain!

 

[Laucu]

When I had Emma I moved around almost constantly - I would not have been able to bear lying down! Whilst I waited for a pool I was on all fours over a beanbag, and when in the pool I was on my knees, holding onto the side of the pool.