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Many professionals in the birthing field have realized that our reliance on reclining in big comfy couches at home, sitting in bucket seats while driving and even slouching at work may be a cause of posterior babies (sunny side up). Posterior babies often cause longer labors, more painful labors and can lead to cesarean births. Believe it or not, all that manual labor we have so successfully eradicated from our daily lives, may be one of the best things for proper fetal positioning. Washing the floor by hand on all fours may be the single best thing you can do to help ensure your baby’s in a great position. The more often you do it, the better!
However, most of us don’t have any strong urge to scrub floors by hand, especially while pregnant. Other things you can do to help ensure your baby’s positioning are listed below. Posture is key and the better yours is, the better for you and your baby. Keep your shoulders back, your belly in front of you, and your hips and knees at 90 degree angles when sitting in chairs and you’re doing great!
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Pelvic Rocking
How:
From a hands and knees position the woman tucks her bottom under by contracting her abdominal muscles and arching her back, and then slowly relaxes returning to a neutral position.
Purpose:
During pregnancy this is a great way to relieve pressure from the back, as well as strengthening abdominal muscles. It causes the belly to hang down and gravity can help move a baby to a favorable position if the baby’s not already there. During labor this exercise can be used to alleviate back pain and help move baby down. |
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Pelvic Tilts
How:
Lay flat on back, and lift pelvis by tightening abdominal muscles.
Purpose:
Strengthens abdominal and back muscles throughout pregnancy. Not optimal position for women in labor. Also, a great time to practice those all important Kegals!!! |
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Optimal Seated Position During Pregnancy
It is no secret that your back will get tired during pregnancy, especially in those last few weeks. Keep in mind how important a good seated position is for you and your baby. Slouching down constricts baby’s movement and is much harder for your back. Make sure to sit straight up, with your spine aligned. Putting a pillow behind your back can help you achieve this position a little more comfortably.
Not good for posture or for baby’s positioning
A great example of how to sit on a couch during late pregnancy.
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These pictures below can give you
other ideas for ways to comfortably sit.
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Helpful positioning hints during labor
Birth balls come in handy in so many ways. All you need is a regular exercise ball that fits your body. You should be able to sit comfortably on the ball with your legs in or close to a ninety degree angle.
Sitting
How:
Sit on birth ball with the upper half of body upright. Sometimes birth balls are the most comfortable places to sit during the last trimester of pregnancy as well. Feel free to rock, bounce or sway. Different things are comfortable at different times so feel free to try new things.
Purpose:
Sitting on a birth ball during labor allows you to sit upright (which can be a great position for baby to move down and for a good labor pattern). Sitting on a birth ball gives you the freedom to move your pelvis, allowing you sway your hips back and forth, from side to side, or in a circular motion. This encourages the pelvis to expand giving baby more room to slide down.
During labor, the birth ball can be a great tool. Having one labor support person on a steady surface (like a chair or lowered bed), ball between the support persons knees, and the second support person in front of the ball w/ the laboring woman on the ball in between can work great when contractions become harder. This allows mom to relax back on one support person between contractions and to breathe with the one in front of her during contractions. Mom still gets the comfort of the ball and by being surrounded by two support people, any part of her back or front that needs pressure or massage is easily accessible to one of her supports.
Leaning
How:
Place the birth ball in the bed with you or on the floor. If you’re on the floor you may want to put a towel or some kind of pad under your knees. Lean forward so that the ball is supporting your head and chest.
Purpose:
During Labor leaning forward on your birth ball takes pressure off your back, while allowing you to rock your pelvis from side to side. Leaning on the birth ball is a great way to facilitate the double hip squeeze in case of back labor. This position also leaves your back wide open for your birth partners to massage or touch you in any way that feels good! |
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Tip! The birth ball works great for calming a fussy baby. Just cradle baby in your arms and bounce gently on the ball. The movement soothes the baby, as well as the mommy! |
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Assisted Squat (Dangle)
How:
Have your birth partner sit in a chair with his/her legs spread, the edge of the bed can work well too. Stand between their legs facing away from them. Lower yourself into a squatting position so that your partner’s legs are under your armpits holding you up. Your feet should be flat on the floor facing forward, and your bottom should not be touching the floor.
Purpose:
Great position for baby to move down during the latter stages of labor. Depending on your caregiver and birthplace, you may be able to push in this position.
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