Let us know the What are positions are commonly used during labor and delivery in today’s article. Due to pregnancy, it becomes difficult for you to move around because a tiny life is developing inside you. During this time, it is important that you prepare yourself for the process of delivery and become comfortable with the sensations you are experiencing and for this you should be aware of the different positions that can assist you in your labour. Can make the steps easier. When the day of delivery comes, you will be mentally and physically prepared as practicing these positions will prove very useful for you. Let’s start with What are positions are commonly used during labor and delivery.
What are positions are commonly used during labor and delivery
labor position
During pregnancy, it is advisable that you practice different delivery positions so that it will help you settle further and keep you more comfortable.
In the first stage of labour , you should keep yourself moving and in a correct position. This helps the baby to pass through the birth canal easily. You should also practice relaxation and breathing which will help you throughout the process of delivery. There are several positions you can adopt that prepare you for childbirth.
What to do during the early stages of labor
As you enter this new stage of pregnancy, it is important for you to prepare a checklist of activities that you will start doing as your due date approaches, before you start practicing positions to help induce labor. This will need to be done as this will help you to be completely prepared for the onset of delivery.
- Notifying your doctor – This is the first thing you need to do. You need to tell your doctor about your pain and get his or her opinion about whether you need to go to hospital.
- Talking to your insurance provider – You should inform your insurance service provider when you are in the early stages of labour.
- Checking before taking medicines – You need to be very careful while taking any kind of medicine during this phase, even OTC medicines . Therefore it is advised that you talk to your doctor before taking anything.
- Understanding the warning signs – During this phase, you should be aware of your body and whenever you have cramps with bleeding or just start having cramps, talk to your doctor immediately.
- Maternity clothes and innerwear – Pack a hospital bag containing maternity clothes and baby items for yourself . It is advisable to keep this bag ready in advance.
Best position to relieve pain during active labor
The best positions to reduce labor pain are those in which your body is straight. Some of the most commonly chosen positions that can help you endure labor pain are –
1. Standing and bending
This position allows you to support yourself with the help of your partner or a wall and makes delivery less painful. The standing position causes changes in your pelvis to help the baby move through the birth canal. This increases the chances of labor going into the second phase. However, this position is more tiring and you need a stronger support.
2. Squatting
The squatting position helps the baby to move down by increasing its rotation. It is helpful in increasing the diameter of the pelvis by 2 centimeters. However, this position is a little more tiring.
3. Lying on left side
Lying on the left side is a comfortable position that makes contractions more effective because lying on the left side helps increase blood supply to the baby.
4. Kneeling with a birthing ball
You can choose to lean against a wall, with your knees bent at a desk, or use an exercise ball on a raised surface with your knees slightly bent. If you’re using a ball, try the birthing ball position. You have to push the ball forward with your head, arms and chest. After placing yourself in this position, you can rock from one side to the other. This position is one of the best ways to practice the sitting position to induce labor.
5. Hands and knees
Kneeling with your legs spread, bend forward with the help of your hands. In this position you have to sit on your ankles and let your stomach slowly come down between the knees. You can use a few pillows to rest your chest or head if necessary.
6. Lean
Flexing your leg muscles as you spread your legs helps you relax and also ensures that baby has room to move around.
7. Leg Raise
Sit on a chair and lift one leg up. Lean forward on the raised leg with each contraction. It helps in the labor process.
8. Waving
Sitting on a birthing ball provides relief to your legs and waist. Rocking from side to side and back and forth also helps. You can use an exercise ball to relax your upper body or you can do similar waving movements on your hands and knees. Waving helps you open the pelvis and turn the baby.
9. Lying on your side and raising your knees
Lying on one side, keep your lower leg straight and upper leg on the pillow and bend as much as possible. This is another position that opens up your pelvis and encourages your baby to drop down.
10. Lunging
You can start by placing one foot on a stool, facing forward, and rotating the standing leg while slowly opening your knee. Then keep lunging between contractions. You can try raising each leg in turn.
11. Rocking
In this you will be able to concentrate on labor with your eyes closed and will be able to do ‘pelvic movements’ while sitting. Rocking helps the baby to turn up and down.
12. Lying on the back (reclining)
Reclining means lying against a wall or on a chair or bed with the person upside down. It reduces stress and helps in relaxing the muscles. This position is good when you feel tired but do not want to lie down completely.
In this way, you can try many different positions before going for delivery. By practicing these, you will be able to prepare yourself physically for the delivery of your baby.
