Childbirth

Birth positions: photographic images

What are the main positions for labor and delivery suggested by midwives? Find out in this photo gallery.

What is the best position to give birth ? Which ones in which you feel less bad ?

In reality, there isn’t just one possibility, but there are different positions that the woman can assume in the various stages of labor and delivery , to relieve the pain of contractions and help the baby’s progression. Although it may seem incredible, it is the child who – through the pain of the contractions – suggests to the mother to change or to remain in a certain position.

The physiological response to pain is movement , which allows you to assume the most antalgic positions (ie capable of reducing the suffering of childbirth) and guides the baby inside the birth canal.

Each position, therefore, can help the mother in pain management and the child in the path to birth. In this gallery of photographic images , we will look at some of the main positions for labor and delivery suggested by midwives.

The position on all fours

In this position, the woman is kneeling on a mat or on a bed, with her hands resting on the floor, so as to support her body weight.

At the time of birth, the baby is found to be behind the mother . Helped by the midwife, the woman rolls onto her side so that she can take the baby by herself. Alternatively, the newborn is passed gently between the legs.

The crouched position

The squatted position during labor and delivery facilitates the relaxation of the muscles of the perineum and belly , especially if during the break the mother is able to lean on a support (companion, midwife, wall).

In this position, at the time of birth, the baby is facing the mother and it is very easy for her to pick him up and bring him to her chest.

Side position

The side-lying position is best used when you feel the need to rest while labor continues its course. The left side is usually preferred , to avoid compressing the inferior vena cava and thus improve blood supply to the placenta.

Using a peanut ball between the legs may help the baby turn and descend.

Furthermore, the mother can rest a leg on the leg of the gynecological bed or keep it raised with the help of her partner or midwife, in order to facilitate the passage of the baby.

The sitting position

Sitting in a delivery chair or other support, such as a pregnancy ball or Dutch stool (an ergonomic seat found in some delivery rooms), can be helpful in reducing pelvic pressure and relaxing the perineum.

The standing position

Walking or standing during labor, with the help of a support, partner or midwife, can help the baby descend thanks to the force of gravity .

The supine position

The supine or gynecological position (also called lithotomy ) is perhaps the best known of the positions for childbirth, however it is a posture that does not leave much freedom of movement for the mother’s pelvis .

It also tends to increase pressure on the perineum, with a greater risk of lacerations.

Dr Kathryn Barlow

Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.

Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.

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