The birth positions at a glance
Maybe you've already noticed that women in movies usually lie on their backs with bent legs during childbirth. But did you know that this is just one of many birth positions in which you can bring your baby into the world? In this article, you'll find not only an overview of the different birth positions and their advantages and disadvantages, but also learn why there is not just "the one" correct position for giving birth.
Generally, one distinguishes between upright and ground-level positions . Theoretically, a birth can take place entirely in one position, but usually the laboring person changes position depending on how they feel and Labor phase .
Upright birthing positions
Many women feel more comfortable in upright positions at the beginning of labor and move completely instinctively, so that over time they automatically adopt different positions.
Running
During the opening phase, when the cervix gradually opens, many women in labor walk around between contractions and circle their pelvis, causing their baby to gradually move downward. During contractions, it can be helpful to pause and hold on. "Movement during labor is important: it can positively influence the subjective birth experience because it gives the woman the feeling of being active and independent in this situation," says LILLYDOO midwife Sissi.
Vorteile der Geburt im Laufen:
The movement distracts from the pain.
The baby is sinking deeper into the pelvis.
The opening of the cervix is promoted and the course of labor is advanced.
Breathing becomes easier for you, ensuring your child receives optimal oxygen supply.
The contractions are more regular and frequent.
Nachteile der Geburt im Laufen:
The position can be tiring in the long run.
Some examinations cannot be performed.
Standing or leaning forward
You stand with your legs apart and lean forward, holding onto the wall, your partner, a gym ball, or a climbing frame. It is important that your heels are in contact with the ground to ensure the necessary stability.
Vorteile der Geburt im Stehen:
Gravity is used to drive the birth.
The opening of the cervix is promoted, thereby advancing the course of labor.
The contractions are more regular and frequent.
Breathing becomes easier for you, ensuring your child receives optimal oxygen supply.
Nachteile der Geburt im Stehen:
The birth position can be tiring in the long run.
Some examinations cannot be performed.
Hanging in the ropes
In this position, you hold onto a double cloth hanging from the ceiling, which is common in many delivery rooms or birthing centers. Feel free to really "hang" there so that the weight is taken off your legs.
Vorteile der hängenden Geburtsposition:
Your body is relieved by the weight.
Gravity is used to drive the birth.
The opening of the cervix is promoted, thereby advancing the course of labor.
Breathing becomes easier for you, ensuring your child receives optimal oxygen supply.
The contractions are more regular and frequent.
Nachteile der hängenden Geburtsposition:
The position can be exhausting in the long run.
Some examinations cannot be performed.
Ground-level birth positions
In low positions, many women find it difficult easier, actively pressing along and to push her baby through the birth canal. Many women in labor therefore automatically feel the need to adopt one of the following birthing positions:
Supine position (pillow position)
In the dorsal or lithotomy position, you lie slightly elevated, your legs are placed on the bed, and you press them bent against your partner or your midwife, or they are held in a special holder. The dorsal position is the most common birthing position. Not always because the woman giving birth chooses it herself, but often because it is simply most convenient for doctors and midwives, as they have the best access to everything. In certain situations, it is necessary for the birth to take place in the dorsal position, for example when the forceps need to be used to assist.
Vorteile der Rückenlage:
Medical care is the easiest way.
The position is energy-saving, and you can rest during the contractions.
Nachteile der Rückenlage:
The risk of birth injuries increases.
Vena cava syndrome can occur. In this case, the baby lies on the mother's vena cava, which impairs the blood flow back to the heart. This also negatively affects the blood supply to the child.
Some women find it uncomfortable not to be able to move freely.
The pelvis decreases in size when lying down, and the cervix opens more slowly.
Four-legged position
You kneel on the ground or a bed. Your upper body is bent forward, and you support yourself on the ground, a pillow, or a gym ball. Many women automatically choose this position during the progressing labor because they find it very comfortable.
Vorteile des Vierfüßlerstands:
Your dam is being protected.
The position gives you freedom of movement and control.
You can rest during the contractions.
The position relieves back pain. Additionally, your partner can massage your back.
When your child is born, you can take it directly to yourself.
Nachteile des Vierfüßlerstands:
The posture is unfamiliar and tiring in the long run.
Hocke (with or without birth hocker)
In this position, you are either kneeling on your heels or sitting on a special birthing stool with a cut-out. Since kneeling can be tiring, many women only assume this position towards the end of labor. However, during the last contractions, it can be very relieving, as the birthing person instinctively pushes downward.
Vorteile der hockenden Geburtsposition:
The pelvis enlarges and gravity is used optimally. This allows the baby to enter the pelvis more deeply.
You can actively and deliberately press along.
Breathing becomes easier for you, ensuring your child receives optimal oxygen supply.
Nachteile der hockenden Geburtsposition:
The position is very physically demanding.
Sitting in a squat for too long strains the tissue heavily, and the risk of birth injuries increases.
Page layout
You are lying with your upper body slightly elevated, either on your left or right side, depending on the progress of the birth, with your upper leg positioned at the hip. If you like, you can also place a pillow between your knees. The side-lying position is well suited for resting between contractions. When you can no longer stand, you can also use this position in the final phase of labor to round your back and actively push.
Vorteile der Seitenlage:
The position is comfortable and optimal for breathing through the contractions.
If your baby is not lying properly yet, it will be encouraged to turn over.
The vena cava is being decompressed.
You can rest during the contractions.
The pelvis opens up, especially when the upper leg is elevated.
Nachteile der Seitenlage:
The pelvis is narrower when lying down, and the contractions are less effective. Therefore, the birth may take longer.
Seated
You are sitting backwards, with your legs spread wide on a chair that you can hold onto the backrest of. Alternatively, you can also sit on a gym ball or a birthing stool and hold onto your partner or a climbing wall.
Vorteile der sitzenden Geburtsposition:
The position offers you freedom of movement and stability at the same time.
Your pelvis widens.
The contractions are more effective.
Breathing becomes easier for you, ensuring your child receives optimal oxygen supply.
You can rest during the contractions.
Nachteile der sitzenden Geburtsposition:
The increased pressure while sitting can lead to more intense pain.
Water birth
The birth in the birthing tub takes place in a special basin filled with water heated to 34 to 36 degrees Celsius. Due to the relaxing effect of the warm water, the tub is often used during the early stages of labor, but there is nothing to prevent the entire birth from taking place in the water basin. During a you can freely assume the hands-and-knees position or lie on your back; the water provides you with additional freedom of movement.
Vorteile der Wassergeburt:
Warm water can help with relaxation, calming, and pain relief.
Heat and moisture make the fabric soft and stretchy.
Nachteile der Wassergeburt:
The heat can cause circulatory problems.
A PDA is not possible in the bathtub.
Birth in water is not always an option, as rapid medical intervention may not be possible.
What is the right birth position for me?
There is no definitive answer to the question of which birth position is the best. What is considered comfortable varies not only from woman to woman but also from birth to birth. The different birth positions are also a topic in the Childbirth Preparation Course . The individual items are explained and practiced there. Also our LILLYDOO Midwife Sissi explains the different birthing positions in the video and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
During the birth process, you will Probably change your position multiple times , depending on your needs and the phase you are currently in. If the birth proceeds without complications, you can choose your position yourself and will probably intuitively assume the position that feels best for you. It may also be that your midwife, with her experience, offers some guidance and works with you to find a position that advances the birth.
Here are a few tips on how to find the best birth position for yourself:
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Try out the different positions beforehand, before it gets serious. . Find out what makes you feel comfortable and discuss it with your partner. In some cases, you might be too exhausted to communicate during the birth that you want to give birth in a specific position. In such a situation, a hint from your partner, who knows your wishes, can be helpful. If you have the opportunity, you can also inform your midwife and your doctor in advance about your preferred position before the birth.
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When the time comes, it still doesn't hurt to stay flexible and open. : It is quite possible that you may feel comfortable in a position that seemed pleasant during practice, but suddenly no longer feel comfortable during childbirth.
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Always trust your gut instinct , because every birth is different and can never be fully predicted.
Trust your body, which will intuitively tell you which birth position is right for bringing your baby into the world. We wish you a smooth birth and all the best!