Childbirth is a process full of struggle. In addition to requiring extra energy, the mother will also experience severe contractions before birth. Contraction is the process of stretching the uterine wall due to movement and kick of the baby in the womb. Usually, contractions become a marker that labor will begin. Stretching and shrinking the uterus makes the cervix open, helping to push the baby into the birth canal. If this is the case, usually the doctor will ask you to get ready to do the labor position so the baby can get out quickly.
Normal delivery position that can be the choice of the mother
The birth process requires a comfortable position for you and also for the baby. Therefore, there are various labor positions that are permitted according to medical rules, such as:
1. Squatting (squatting)
Squatting is a very good labor position to increase the diameter of your pelvis. Childbirth with this position has several benefits. This position helps speed up the opening during labor, reduces the risk of using a vacuum, and reduces the duration of labor.
Unfortunately, if the baby's position is reversed or breeched, the position of giving birth by squatting can be dangerous. In addition, giving birth in this position requires more energy because the muscles in the hips, knees, and ankles will be very tense because it supports weight. Squatting position can increase perineal tears (the area of the skin between the vaginal opening and the anus) gets bigger.
2. Lean
The position of labor by lying down and leaning is usually chosen because it is quite comfortable and allows you to rest. You can lie on the bed of a chair, wall, or on the partner's chest if possible.
Childbirth with this one position helps release tension and relax the muscles of the body. This method can also be a very good alternative if you are tired but don't want to lie down completely.
Unfortunately, this position against gravity can prolong the duration of labor. In addition, if the baby's breech position, giving birth with a leaning position will feel more painful.
3. Birthing stool
The position of childbirth is done by using the help of special chairs. Usually, there will be one person sitting behind you and holding your back to hold you back.
So you can move forward, backward and shake your body freely. Usually, there are also special chairs that allow you to give birth in water (water birth).
Birthing stool position has several advantages, namely the baby can move further down. In addition, this one position also helps relieve stress in the back and helps dilate the cervix naturally. But the drawback, you may experience greater bleeding than other normal birth positions.
4. Birthing bar
This one birth position is done with the help of a tool called birthing bar. This tool is usually installed on the bed to be used as a grip by the mother during childbirth.
With this tool, you can squat, lean, and sit by making the birthing bar support. This one position can help widen the pelvis and use gravity to push the baby down. Unfortunately, not all hospitals provide birth services with the help of birthing bars.
5. Kneel
A kneeling position will greatly help the labor process if the baby is facing the mother's stomach, not the back. By kneeling, the baby is expected to be helped to return to the right position.
This one position is also very beneficial for the mother because it can help relieve pain due to contractions. In addition, kneeling position also helps relieve pressure. Unfortunately, doctors will usually have difficulty monitoring the position of the fetus because its position is back to the doctor.
Whatever position to give birth to, make sure that according to your agreement and the doctor or midwife who handles it. Various kinds of delivery positions are given as an alternative to facilitate the birth process according to the position of the baby and the comfort level of the mother.