Poses for quick opening of the cervix. Breathing during the transition phase of contractions. Postures during childbirth video

For quite a long time, there was an opinion among obstetricians that a woman should lie on her back during childbirth. However, as life shows, this is far from the most successful position for a woman in labor. But comfortable position- one of the important components of a successful and painless course of childbirth!

Historical reference

Long before the birth of modern obstetrics and gynecology, being at the origins of the art of midwifery, people tried to ease the work of the mother and child during childbirth.

In Rus', during labor, a woman usually walked around the hut, leaning on benches. Often a woman in labor was forced to literally crawl on the floor, washing the corners of the hut, or unlock all the locks, bowing to low chests. In this position - “on my knees” - the stomach sagged, put less pressure on large vessels, blood supply to the uterus and fetus improved, and pain decreased. Good help They were in hanging poses: they threw a towel over the largest ceiling log - the matitsa. The resulting loop was passed through armpits women in labor so that the woman was hanging on the towel. The labor assistant supported the laboring woman, helping her to remain in a hanging position. If there were high thresholds in the house, the woman in labor was forced to step over them, raising her legs high, during the entire first stage of labor. When the attempts approached, the woman was taken to some secluded, darkened place, where the baby was born. Most often this place was a Russian bathhouse. Our ancestors gave birth mainly in a kneeling position.

Who is comfortable with childbirth “lying on your back”?

When studying postures during childbirth among various peoples, it turned out that the position on the back that is familiar to us is not in the traditions of any country. This position is very convenient for doctors and obstetricians, but is completely unsuitable for the woman in labor and the baby.

A horizontal posture on your back significantly slows down the process normal birth, interfering with the effective contraction of the uterus, the opening of its cervix, the correct insertion and rotation of the baby’s head, increases the woman’s painful sensations. In addition, when a woman in labor lies on her back, the uterus puts all its weight on large blood vessels, often causing compression of the inferior vena cava. This leads to disruption of blood supply to vital important organs and in the placenta, can cause dizziness, a feeling of lightheadedness - inferior vena cava syndrome.

Only in a number pathological situations The position on the back is necessary for safety and prevention of complications on the part of the mother and child. Indications for a woman in labor to stay in bed are cases of premature pregnancy and premature birth, the presence of signs of intrauterine growth retardation, rapid or quick birth. In these cases, the vertical position of the woman in labor can speed up the birth process and lead to traumatization of the child. With a breech presentation in an upright position, the risk of umbilical cord prolapse increases - an extremely serious obstetric situation that requires urgent surgical intervention, since this may compress the umbilical cord, stopping the flow of blood to the fetus, and therefore oxygen and nutrients- this situation is critical for the fetus. With epidural anesthesia, when the anesthetic is injected into the space above the hard meninges, due to the increased likelihood of developing adverse reactions(dizziness, “weak legs”), it is often also recommended to lie down. The horizontal position is also traditional for caesarean section. However, in the listed situations (during caesarean section, with the development of inferior vena cava syndrome or when using epidural anesthesia), the optimal position is lying on the side, and not on the back.

Choosing a position for contractions

So, in the absence of contraindications to active position During childbirth, the main thing is to choose the position in which you will be as comfortable as possible. It is impossible to give universal advice on choosing a position: every woman and every birth is unique. That's why best pose in childbirth - the one that best suits you!

Given the freedom to choose a position during childbirth, most women give preference to one of the vertical positions: sitting, standing, walking. The vertical position creates a number of advantages. Firstly, unlike the prone position, there is no compression large vessels, therefore, normal blood supply to organs, including the uterus and placenta, is maintained. By intuitively choosing the most comfortable position, a woman in labor helps her baby: thus, some asymmetry of postures, achieved by moving forward or slightly lifting the pelvis or one leg, contributes to the correct insertion of the baby’s head and its rotation, i.e. correct course of labor. Secondly, in a vertical position, the force of gravity helps the baby move through the birth canal. Thirdly, the vertical position contributes to some expansion of the birth canal and easier passage of the child through it.

The longest period of labor is the first, during which regular, gradually more frequent and intensifying contractions lead to dilatation of the cervix. Active behavior can greatly help during this period, creating the conditions for the most effective contractions. During the period between contractions, the chosen position should allow the woman in labor to relax and rest.

Most women experience the onset of labor easier while walking. Walking, especially with high legs, helps to increase blood supply and increase the delivery of oxygen to the uterus and baby.

During the contraction itself, standing posture with support on a wall, table, back of a chair or bed helps reduce pain. All the weight is transferred to the hands. If your husband is present at the birth, you can lean on his back or hang, clasping his neck. Poses in which the stomach moves forward and sags (pose on all fours - “cat pose”; pose hanging on your husband’s neck; bending forward) help reduce pain in the back. In addition, during a contraction it is useful to sway your pelvis and hips, as if dancing. Such movements relax the muscles of the perineum and help open the cervix.

When choosing a sitting position, it should be taken into account that the surface of the seat should be quite soft, or better yet, elastic. For this purpose, the use of large inflatable balls and children's swimming rings during childbirth is effective. Such devices help relax the muscles of the perineum and promote more effective dilatation of the cervix. During contractions in a sitting position, you can also lean on your arms, pillow, or headboard. It is necessary to ensure that the legs are not closed during contractions, as this position interferes with the opening of the cervix. For greater effectiveness of the fight, you should spread your knees to the sides as much as possible.

A squatting pose with your knees spread wide apart is very effective. This position helps the child to insert the head correctly and move along the birth canal. This is facilitated by a certain pelvic tilt angle achieved when squatting. This position is most effective in cases where the cervix is fully dilated and the baby’s head has not yet descended to the pelvic floor. The disadvantage of the squatting position is the instability of the woman in it. In such a situation, the help of a husband or other loved one, present at the birth, who support the woman, helping her stay in the right position. You can also hold on to the back of a chair or bed in this pose.

One of the most famous yoga poses, the lotus pose, is also very effective posture during childbirth. However, for a long stay in it, training is necessary even during pregnancy. In this case, during childbirth, the lotus position will not cause tension, but, on the contrary, will help relax the muscles of the perineum and correctly insert the baby’s head at the beginning of the birth canal. In addition, sitting cross-legged relieves back muscles, relieving pain and tension in the back. lumbar region. These positions can be taken at the beginning of labor, when the intervals between contractions are still quite large, the contractions are not very painful, and the cervix is just beginning to open. When active labor activity If the cervix is too open, you cannot sit on a hard surface: this prevents the fetus from moving through the birth canal.

In some African tribes that have maintained maximum closeness to nature and its laws, women still give birth in a squatting or kneeling position. These traditions are preserved in Brazil and a number of other countries Latin America. In European countries: the Netherlands, France, childbirth in an upright position and birth in water are again becoming a tradition. In some Dutch families, the bride still receives a special birthing chair in her dowry, which helps her to take a comfortable position.

In a situation where the baby’s head has dropped and puts pressure on the tissue pelvic floor, and the cervix is not yet fully dilated, the “baby pose” helps, which imitates the position of the child in the mother’s womb. You need to get down on your knees and spread them wide. A large pillow is placed under the chest for support. You can put your hands under your head. In this position, the pelvis is higher than the mother's head. In this position, the baby’s head does not exert intense pressure, which helps reduce discomfort.

If you need to lie down comfortably during labor, choose the side-lying position.

Often, intuitively, a woman chooses an asymmetrical pose - a runner's pose. In this position, place a pillow under one of the legs, bent at the knee. You can hold a pillow between your legs. This position is the most gentle for the baby and helps the head to correctly insert into the birth canal.

Posture during pushing

Currently, in a number of maternity hospitals, women are allowed to be active in the first stage of labor. However, at the end of the period of cervical dilatation, when contractions become more frequent and when pushing begins (the second stage of labor), the woman in labor is placed on her back. In this case, be sure to connect a special device that allows you to monitor the heart rate of the fetus or, in the intervals between contractions, listen to the fetal heartbeat using an obstetric stethoscope (tube). At the moment of birth of the head, the midwife carries out special moves aimed at preventing perineal ruptures. These manipulations are only possible with the woman lying on her back. In addition, in the supine position, a position has also been developed that promotes the greatest effectiveness of pushing: the woman must bend her head so that her chin is pressed to her chest, the woman in labor pulls special handrails towards herself, and rests her feet on the supports, while she needs to sit down on a chair. . Only a few maternity hospitals have special chairs for vertical birth. In this case, the fetal heartbeat can be monitored using telemetric devices, which relieve the woman in labor from being “attached” to the bed. Unfortunately, all these devices have not yet become widespread in our maternity hospitals.

Do something in uncomfortable position extremely difficult: tired and tense muscles quickly make themselves felt. Childbirth is a rather long and labor-intensive process. Therefore, it is so important to choose the position that is most suitable for you, in which you will be comfortable and the baby will be born easily.

Putting extra pressure on the baby's head or cervix can also help you deliver faster. Studies have shown that most women, when not told what position to give birth in, prefer to walk when contractions prevent them from resting. They walk, sit, squat or lean on what is nearby. As the contractions get stronger, they roll over or even get on their hands and knees.

While there's no need to try different positions before giving birth, you can try them out to see which one is more comfortable for you and your partner. (Also, during labor, your partner will be able to tell you how to best change positions when you can't think about anything other than contractions.)

It is better to ask in advance what supports are available for women in labor in the maternity hospital. Do they have showers, bathtubs, pregnancy balls, squat bars, birthing beds, or wheelchairs? If they don't have something you would be particularly comfortable with, such as a birthing ball (the big rubber ball you use at gyms), you can buy one and bring it with you to the hospital. Typically, the position you choose depends on what kind of contractions you are having. Here are a few suggestions you can try right now.

Bend over and swing back and forth. Contractions can be more easily endured by leaning on something. You can use a wheelchair, a regular chair or a birthing ball, kneel and rest your hands on the chair or ball. You can lean on your elbows or cross your arms and tilt your head down, as if you were a kindergartener while resting. When contractions begin, rock forward as you inhale and rock back as you exhale. During this time, keep your back straight. This position uses few muscles, neither you nor your partner will get tired, and it will help maintain balance.

Walk and lean on something. If you stand up straight and walk, guide your baby and take your mind off the contractions. Lean against your partner, midwife, or a nearby wall during the contraction. After that, take a deep breath and keep moving.

Lie on your side. You can't keep moving because you'll get tired. When you have to stop to rest, lie on your side. This can help ease strong and fast contractions. You can also lie on your side between contractions to rest. Sit on a ball or low chair.

If you sit on something low, you can spread your legs, this will help open your pelvis and let gravity do its thing. You can also sit on a hospital bed with your legs spread wide apart. If balance is difficult, have your partner sit in a chair opposite you (or stand if that's more comfortable) so you can reach and grab their arm or knees with your arms extended. If the hospital does not have a birthing ball, bring one with you; They can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.

Squat down. This movement requires energy and muscle tension, so it's best to save it for stronger contractions or even until you have to push. Ask your doctor for a squatting block, which is available in most maternity hospitals and hospitals. It attaches to the bed like a side bar and you can hold on to while doing squats. In addition, you can hold on to your partner’s neck if he places his feet correctly. Relax your abdominal muscles as you squat and place your feet shoulder-width apart as you slowly perform the exercise. If there is no squat bar and you want to go lower, have your partner sit on a chair and extend their arms while you squat in front of them.

Childbirth is a natural process for which one prepares female body throughout all 9 months. But expectant mothers, especially first-time mothers, often experience fear of the painful sensations that arise during childbirth. We care about your health, so today we’ll talk about how to relieve pain during contractions.

Causes of pain during contractions

Many expectant mothers are ready to go through C-section, just not to experience labor pain. But let's figure out the reasons why discomfort, and how to properly eliminate them.

Conventionally, the birth process is divided into two stages: contractions and pushing. During contractions, the cervix opens, which contains many sensitive endings. Also, this organ begins to contract independently, the ligaments stretch, intra-abdominal pressure changes. This kind of pain is called visceral, and it does not have a specific location and feels dull. For most women, these symptoms resemble the discomfort that occurs during menstruation.

After the contractions end, pushing begins. During them, the child passes through the birth canal, which causes the lower part to stretch. This pain has precise localization: rectum, vagina and perineum. Pain during pushing is called somatic, it is characterized as acute.

Negative emotions severe stress and fears can be reduced pain threshold during childbirth.

Sometimes these feelings are the reason severe pain during contractions. Also on appearance painful sensations the following factors influence:

premature birth;
large fruit;
pain during menstruation in the past;
long labor process;
the first contractions do not last long;
use of oxytocin;
first birth;
insufficient psycho-emotional preparation of the expectant mother;
discharge of amniotic fluid.

How contractions begin

The first contractions are short in duration and repeat almost every 20 minutes. Their duration is up to 25 seconds and, as a rule, does not cause much discomfort to the expectant mother.

Gradually, the cervix of the uterus opens more, the duration of contractions increases, and the interval between them decreases.

On average, the total duration of dilation of the uterine pharynx ranges from 2 to 12 hours. So be mentally prepared for what you will experience during this period of time. different degrees pain, from minimal to maximum.

To reduce pain you can use various methods, ranging from special poses to water procedures.

Poses to relieve pain during contractions

During contractions, it is important to find the optimal body position for yourself, in which the pain will decrease. There are about ten poses in total, you can try each of them.

Poses to reduce pain while standing:

Place your hands on the wall. Spread your legs slightly, relax your tummy and back so that the entire weight of the body moves to your legs and arms. Start making smooth rocking movements in different directions.
Squat down, spread your legs as wide as you can. Place your body on your full foot. Rest your back against the wall.
Place your hands on your hips and place your feet shoulder-width apart. Start making swaying and smooth movements, as if you were drawing an infinity sign with your body.

Poses to relieve pain while kneeling:

kneel down, place your head and arms on the bed so that the torso sag and the weight is distributed on the limbs;
Take the starting position, then lean your chest and hands on the fitball, and then begin to perform rotating movements.

Poses to reduce pain on the couch:

Get on all fours, lean on your knees and elbows. Your legs should be slightly apart. Try to arch your back from bottom to top.
Take the starting position as in the first pose. Spread your legs slightly and start rocking back and forth.
Get on all fours, then begin shifting from one knee to the other. Important: stand on your knees, rest your hands on the back of the couch.

And one more pose lying on your side. Bend your knees and hold a pillow between them.

If, even before conception, you often had periods with pain, and the discomfort was localized in the lumbar region, then in your case it is undesirable to lie down during contractions. Because this will make the pain even worse. It is best to spend the entire period of contractions on your feet. Or squat, as this position speeds up the dilatation of the cervix.

Massage during contractions

Massage relaxes not only after a hard day, but also during contractions. It is important to understand how to do it correctly.

If you are giving birth with your husband, ask him to massage your head, lower back and neck, but only if the pain is localized in the lumbar region.

If there is no one near you, then give yourself a massage yourself. To do this, rub your fist lumbar region during contractions. When the pain subsides, knead the protruding pelvic bones. Such procedures help relax muscles after toning.

Water treatments

Some women decide to have a water birth, saying that warm water reduces pain during contractions and pushing. This may be why most maternity hospitals have begun to use warm shower during contractions.

This procedure is voluntary. Its essence lies in being under the streams warm water during contractions. As some women in labor note, warm water is a little relaxing and soothing.

Relaxing music during contractions

You've probably heard about healing properties loved ones musical compositions. So what's stopping you from taking a player with music to the prenatal ward? We are sure that doctors will not mind, especially if such a procedure has a positive effect on labor.

I would also like to note that psychological attitude plays a huge role in the birth process. Don't know how to stop thinking about pain during contractions and pushing? Just think that in an hour or a few minutes you will meet your baby, whom you have been waiting for so long. And we assure you, it will become much easier for you!

How to breathe

Your ability to breathe correctly during contractions and pushing will significantly reduce the pain from the process.

As soon as they started attempts, breathe as follows:

Count to four to yourself, then inhale through your nose;
count to six, exhale through pursed lips.

As soon as the contractions are strong, start breathing like a dog. For this:

open your mouth;
Take shallow breaths and exhalations.

Breathing faster during strong contractions can reduce pain.

As soon as it happened disclosure, start breathing like this:

take a shallow and quick breath through your nose;
purse your lips into a tube, then exhale quickly.

Your breaths should be shallow and quick, only in this case the pain will be less.

Began attempts? Breathe as follows:

do deep breath through the nose;
Sing the letters “o” or “a” while exhaling through your mouth.

Your exhalation should resemble blowing out a candle.

All of the above methods are effective for contractions and pushing. If you have during birth process There is little strength left, think about the good. For example, about meeting your baby soon, pleasant changes in your life, or even about the fact that childbirth will someday end.

Health and easy childbirth to you!

Childbirth is a physiological and psychological stress for the woman in labor, as well as difficult process for the fetus. The mother’s strongest desire is for the birth to take place without complications, with the minimum possible pain, and, of course, for the child to be born healthy.

Many women are afraid to experience pain during labor and delivery of the baby and worry, expecting torment. Physiology proves that the fear of pain maintains and even intensifies it. Adrenaline released into the blood causes vasoconstriction, especially in organs abdominal cavity, increased pressure and oxygen deficiency. Against this background, spasm of the muscles of the uterus occurs, which gives pain. And the circle closes...

Nowadays, future parents have the opportunity to attend childbirth preparation courses, and there are also enough sources of information that provide the experience of childbirth studied and generalized by physiology. Even before giving birth, pregnant women can learn how to behave during this process and how they can help themselves endure contractions.

Start of labor

At the beginning of labor, the uterus periodically contracts, and this causes a painful sensation in the lower abdomen. The intensity and duration of contractions gradually increase, and the interval between them decreases. Contractions can last for several hours.

It is natural for a pregnant woman to want to find a way to reduce pain for herself, but this is also important for the fetus. Severe and prolonged pain can disrupt the rhythm of a woman’s breathing and heart function, which in turn reduces the supply of oxygen to the fetus. Pain, coupled with emotional worries for the child, tires the woman in labor, and her labor may weaken and even stop. If there are medical indications, then you can resort to pharmacological pain relief for labor, but many pregnant women prefer non-drug pain relief methods.

Ways to ease contractions

If the pregnancy proceeds without complications and labor begins on time, then during labor the woman can use different techniques and postures to reduce your pain.

Walking during contractions is a great way to make yourself more comfortable and also speed up the onset of the main stage of labor. When contractions are still rare, you can even go outside and take a walk near the house, and upon arrival at the maternity hospital, walk around the ward. It will be useful when walking from time to time to raise your legs bent at the knees high. This will improve blood flow in the lower abdomen. In an upright position, gravity helps labor, and the fetus descends into the pelvis faster.
While contractions are rare, the cervix has not yet dilated, and the water has not broken, you can take a shower or a warm bath.
Towards increasing pain contractions of the uterus also add back pain, triggered by the weight of the fetus itself. To ease the condition during a contraction, you can:

standing, lean your back against a support or rest your hands on the wall, on the back of a chair or bed;
place your leg bent at the knee on a high support, for example, a chair, and lean on it;
if a partner is present at the birth, you can use the “slow dance” pose: hug your partner by the neck, shoulders or waist, lean on it or even hang and sway, as if in a dance;
squat down, leaning your back against a wall or chair; it will be convenient to place your back between the knees of your partner sitting on a chair;
sit on a chair, the edge of the bed or a fitball, rest your hands on your spread knees and sway slightly;
getting on all fours - this not only brings relief, but also helps relieve the pressure of the fetus on large blood vessels; during intense contractions, a kneeling position with your chest resting on a bed or fitball helps;
“baby pose” is a type of pose on all fours (legs spread wide apart, supported by elbows or arms extended forward); it is useful when the baby’s head is already pressing on the pelvic tissues, and the dilation of the cervix is still insufficient.

Postures during childbirth

During the preparatory stage of childbirth, a pregnant woman can move and choose a comfortable position and body position. When the cervix is fully dilated, obstetricians conduct continuous monitoring of the fetus and the woman in labor and, upon arrival, forcefully place her on the birthing bed.

Exists efficient scheme movements of the woman in labor in exactly this position, facilitating productive pushing. A woman, lying on her back, bends her head and presses her chin to her chest, holding on to special handrails, lifts top part body almost to a sitting position. When the woman in labor lies on her back, it is more convenient for the obstetrician to monitor how the fetal head is shown, prevent perineal ruptures and deliver the baby.

But progressive doctors say that giving birth lying on your back is unnatural for a woman, and that this position makes it difficult for the fetus to pass through the birth canal. It’s probably strange for older generations of women to hear this: “How could it be otherwise? This is how we gave birth, both our mothers and their mothers!” In fact, in the traditions of childbirth different nations there is no such pose. Women have given birth lying on their backs since births began to be attended not by midwives, but by obstetricians. It is for doctors who control the process of the birth of the child that this position of the woman in labor is convenient.

Many clinics already practice vertical childbirth, for which special chairs have been installed. A woman can push while kneeling or squatting.

Unfortunately, not all pregnant women have a sufficient degree of freedom during contractions to take a comfortable position. For some medical indications It is recommended that a woman lie down:

stimulation of labor;
premature birth, delayed fetal development;
breech presentation of the fetus;
rapid birth.

Transfer contractions to horizontal position harder, and they will come to help breathing exercises, sacrum massage. In such a situation, the help and support of a woman in labor from a doctor, partner, or doula is simply invaluable.

Lying on your side greatly facilitates your well-being, as this reduces the pressure of the uterus on the vessels. In this case, the legs are bent at the knees and positioned as when running - the upper leg is in front, the lower leg is laid back. A pillow placed between the legs increases the comfort of the pose. To make it easier for the doctor to monitor the birth of the baby, the bent leg, located on top, is raised and held by the woman in labor, an assistant, or a special device.

During labor, no matter what position or posture the woman in labor is in, it is very important that she helps herself to rest and restore the rhythm of her breathing in the interval between contractions. While waiting for the next uterine contraction, you need to control your emotional condition. Maximum relaxation will help the cervix open, and it will be easier for the baby to move through the birth canal.

Preparing for childbirth is the key to its success

The experience of many women confirms great benefit physical and moral preparation for childbirth. Reading literature on pregnancy and childbirth, attending courses, analyzing various possible situations And practical lessons help find correct solution already during the actual process. Obstetric statistics confirm that women who come to childbirth “fully armed” less likely development of complications during childbirth and the postpartum period.

Analyzing the advantages, it is worth emphasizing that they conduct informative courses for future parents and have created the most comfortable conditions for pregnant women and women in labor. The equipment and amenities in the prenatal wards, as well as the attentive attitude of doctors and staff to the needs and desires of laboring patients, help them endure the difficult period of labor and give birth easily, without negative stress. After giving birth, mothers are not exhausted, but confident and happy. They meet their babies positive emotions, which, of course, has a positive effect on the well-being of all participants in the process.

The company wishes all pregnant women health, good luck and self-control during childbirth and invites them to give birth in America!

For quite a long time, there was an opinion among obstetricians and gynecologists that during childbirth a woman should be in a supine position. However, this position is far from the most successful for a woman in labor.

As a rule, during the study of possible positions during childbirth, it turned out that among various peoples, no one has the usual position on the back for us. This position, although very convenient for obstetricians and doctors, is completely unsuitable for the woman in labor and the baby.

Disadvantages of the position “on the back” for a woman in labor

A horizontal position inhibits the process of normal delivery, which interferes with effective contractions of the uterine muscles, full dilatation of the cervix, right turn head of the baby and its insertion, can increase pain in a woman during childbirth. In addition, in the position of the woman in labor on her back, the uterus compresses large blood vessels, which leads to compression of the inferior vena cava and disruption of the blood supply in vital organs, including the placenta, development of dizziness and a feeling of “lightheadedness.”

Indications for childbirth in the “supine” position

the need for epidural anesthesia - even despite the absence of pain during epidural anesthesia, the woman does not lose the ability to move, and she is recommended to lie down due to possible muscle weakness And sharp fall blood pressure;

breech presentation of the baby in a woman - if the woman is in an upright position, small discovery cervix and unpreparedness of the birth canal for birth can lead to prolapse of the umbilical cord; most often, the occurrence of such a situation can lead to emergency delivery;

the presence of premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction - in in this case The optimal position for a woman is on her side;

rapid or rapid delivery - the vertical position can accelerate - “force” the process of childbirth and thereby have an impact Negative influence both for the child and for the mother.

As a rule, it is impossible to give one universal advice for choosing a position for contractions, since each woman, equally as each birth, is unique.

Most often, most women prefer one of the vertical positions: sitting or standing, perhaps even walking.

Vertical position

Choice vertical position creates a wide range of advantages.

First: in a standing position, unlike a supine position, compression of large vessels does not occur, normal blood supply to the organs and placenta is maintained. By intuitively choosing the most comfortable position, the mother in labor thereby helps her baby. For example, with the help of some asymmetry of postures, achieved by slightly lifting the pelvis or moving one leg forward, the baby’s head is correctly inserted, its normal rotation is achieved, and labor proceeds correctly. Also, in a vertical position, due to the force of gravity, the child can move freely along the birth canal and some expansion of the birth canal is observed.

Most a long period childbirth is the first period, characterized by regular, gradually becoming more frequent, as well as intensifying contractions, leading to dilatation uterine cervix. By performing active movements during childbirth at this time, the mother in labor can help the baby during this period by creating conditions for contractions to be as effective as possible. During the period between contractions, using the chosen position, the woman in labor can rest and relax.

Most women experience the onset of labor more easily by walking, since walking, combined with raising the legs high, improves blood supply, thereby increasing the delivery of oxygen to the baby and the uterus.

Standing pose

During the contraction itself, to reduce pain, you can take a standing position, leaning on the wall and table, the back of the bed or chair, since in this case all the weight is transferred to your hands. If your husband is present during the birth, you can hang by grabbing him by the neck, or leaning on his back or shoulders. Postures with the stomach tilting forward and “sagging”, on all fours, in the “cat pose”, hanging on the husband’s neck, a pose with bending forward, can help reduce the intensity of pain in the back. In addition, during the contraction it is advisable to “sway” the pelvis and hips. Performing such movements can relax the muscles of the perineum to a more pronounced extent, as well as open the cervix to its fullest extent.

Sitting pose

When choosing a sitting position, you need to take into account the fact that the surface of the seat is softer, preferably elastic. For this purpose, it is better to use either large inflatable balls or children's swimming rings during childbirth. Using these devices, you can relax the muscles of the perineum to the maximum extent and open the cervix more widely. During contractions in a sitting position, you can also lean on a pillow, arms and headboard. The legs should not be closed during contractions, since in this position the dilation of the cervix is incomplete. For greater efficiency, you can spread your knees as wide as possible to the sides.

Squatting pose

A squatting pose with the knees wide apart is also effective. By performing this pose you can promote correct process insertion of the head and easier passage through the birth canal of the baby. This is also facilitated by a certain angle taken when performing a pelvic tilt, achieved by squatting. It is most effective to use this position in cases where the cervix is completely open and the baby’s head does not descend to the pelvic floor. The disadvantage of this position - the squatting position - is the woman’s instability in it. In this situation, the help of your husband, as well as another loved one, is invaluable; you can also hold on to the back of the bed or chair when performing the “squatting” pose.

Lotus position

One of the most common yoga poses is the lotus pose, the adoption of which by a woman during childbirth is very effective. To stay in the lotus position for a long time, preliminary training is necessary during pregnancy. Only when given condition During childbirth, adopting the lotus position will not cause discomfort and tension, but will help relax the muscles of the perineum, as well as the correct “wedging” of the baby’s head into the birth canal. In addition, sitting in the “Turkish” position will help relieve back muscles, relieve pain in the lumbar region and excessive tension. It is advisable to take these positions at the very beginning of labor, during short intervals between contractions, when they are not very painful and the cervix is at the very beginning of opening. In the case of active labor and a large opening of the outlet - pharynx - cervix, it is advisable not to sit on a hard surface, as this creates an obstacle to the movement of the fetus along the birth canal.

Side lying position

The side lying position is the most gentle position for the fetus. Most often it is recommended to take it at the end of the first stage of labor when the cervix is fully dilated. At the same time, it is impossible to force the course of labor, especially in situations where the fetus is premature or small, and there is intrauterine retention.

In water

You can immerse yourself in a bath of water if the water has not yet broken out. Contractions are also easier to endure while standing in the shower.

Some African tribes, which retained maximum closeness to the laws of nature, preserved the tradition of giving birth to a woman in a squatting or kneeling position. For example, these traditions exist in Brazil or other Latin American countries. In the Netherlands or France and other European countries, water births or births in an upright position are “becoming fashionable” again.

Baby pose

If the baby’s head has completely dropped and there is pressure on the pelvic floor tissue, while the cervix has not yet fully dilated, then adopting the “baby pose”, which is an imitation of the position of the child in the womb, helps. You need to kneel down, while spreading them wide. For support, you need to put a large pillow under your chest, and you need to put your hands under your head; when taking this position, the pelvis should be higher than the pregnant woman’s head. This position helps to relieve pressure on the baby’s head and reduce the intensity of discomfort.

Asymmetrical pose

Sometimes, intuitively, a woman may choose to adopt an asymmetrical pose - a runner's pose. This position is characterized by the fact that you need to place a pillow under one of the legs bent at the knee or squeeze it between the legs. Adopting this position is the most gentle for the baby, and also helps the head wedge correctly into the birth canal.

In a number of maternity hospitals, a woman can now perform active movements during the first stage of labor. But when contractions become more frequent, at the end of the period of cervical dilatation, as well as at the beginning of pushing (the beginning of the second stage of labor), the woman in labor should lie on her back. A special device is first connected, which allows you to monitor the heart rate - the heart rate - of the fetus, or the doctor listens to the fetal heartbeat in the intervals between contractions, using an obstetric stethoscope (tube).

At the birth of the head, the midwife carries out special techniques that are aimed at preventing the occurrence of perineal ruptures, which are only possible in the woman’s position on her back. Also lying on her back, a woman in labor can bend her head and press her chin to her chest, while pulling special handrails towards herself, resting her feet on special supports. Few maternity hospitals are equipped with special chairs for vertical childbirth. The fetal heartbeat is recorded by special telemetry devices, which relieve the woman in labor from having to remain on the bed. However, the use of these devices has not yet become widespread in our maternity hospitals.

As a rule, doing anything in an awkward position is extremely difficult: tense and tired muscles can make themselves felt quite quickly. Since childbirth is a rather long and labor-intensive process, it is necessary to choose the position that is most suitable for you and your baby in advance, with prior consultation with a doctor.