The position you choose to push in should be mainly productive and comfortable for you. Gravity will really help bring your baby down, particularly when pushing is difficult. If you're having a fast second stage choosing a position to slow the birth is good as well.
- Squatting: This also uses gravity and opens the outlet of your pelvis up to 10% or more. It's jokingly called the midwives forceps, but it's very beneficial. Can be used in conjunction with monitoring equipment. (See picture.)
- Hands and Knees: This is a great position for backache! It allows the baby to come out of the pelvis slightly and encourages it to turn and assume a better position if it is posterior (or facing your front), it also provides some relief for contractions and removes gravity. Being in this position also allows you to do pelvic tilts for comfort and gives your partner great access to your back for massage and counter pressure. Can be used in conjunction with monitoring equipment. (See picture.)
- Side Lying: This is a good relaxation position. It is gravity neutral and can help slow a fast birth or ease the pain of some contractions. It can be used in bed and in conjunction with monitoring equipment or may be requested if you're having complications with your blood pressure. (See picture.)
- Lithotomy: This position is most frequently used with epidurals and other anesthetics. It does not utilize gravity and can actually make a tear or episiotomy more likely. Even with medications there are better positions that you can assume, for example sitting more upright. Can be used in conjunction with monitoring equipment.
