Different postures of the woman in childbirth

Birth is the culmination of the pregnancy process and the last step before the arrival of the baby. Today, most women are prepared to endure this stage so that they can facilitate birth , they even have the possibility of choosing the ideal posture to give birth. In recent years new protocols have b

Birth is the culmination of the pregnancy process and the last step before the arrival of the baby. Today, most women are prepared to endure this stage so that they canfacilitatebirth, they even have the possibility of choosing the ideal posture to give birth.

In recent years new protocols have been included in many hospitals for the future mother to decide the best position in childbirth. Although the most widespread is the so-called 'gynecological', lying on its back, there are others with their advantages and disadvantages that it is advisable to know.

Horizontal postures for childbirth

Delivery lying on the spine is the most widespread method for giving birth, because favors medical intervention and reduces bleeding, but has been criticized because it reduces the mother's work and makes it difficult the natural process of childbirth by going against gravity. In addition, in this position the pelvic opening narrows and blood vessels are pressed, making it difficult for the baby to supply oxygen.

Another option of horizontal delivery is to stay lying on one side. In this case, the blood vessels are not pressed and normal blood flow is maintained. Although there is no birth in favor of gravity, it is a position that favors the woman's rest and reduces the need for an episiotomy.

Vertical postures for childbirth

Women who give birth in upright positions favor the natural process of childbirth with the help of gravity. There are different positions, from the moms choose to stand with their backs against a wall or those that are squatting or semi-sitting.

These positions may be disadvantaged in the case of epidural anesthesia, as the sensibility of the legs is weakened, except if the so-called 'epidural walking' is chosen, which does not paralyze from the waist to the abdomen. On the other hand,favor the pelvic tilt and the pressure of the baby's head on the cervix, which is very advantageous for the expulsion when the effort is reduced in pushing.

Seated or quadruped delivery

One of the traditional options is the seated childbirth or using the birthing chairs, very popular for centuries throughout the world. The woman who gives birth will play with gravity in her favor, while maintaining a resting position and favoring fetal monitoring. On the other hand, the delivery chairs have been criticized in some investigations for a possible relationship with the increase of hemorrhages in the mother.

Finally, there is the possibility of giving birth in quadruped position, on all fours. This mechanism, although it does not have the force of gravity, is ideal for women who suffer from back pain or hemorrhoids. In addition, the rotation of the baby is favored and the output is softened, thus decreasing the possibility of vaginal tears.

Patricia García. Editor of GuiaInfantil.com