Birth positions and aids

All content is checked by medical journalists.

Birth stool, quadruped stand, circular bed - various obstetrics and postures can make delivery easier. Find out everything you need to know about it here!

Delivery chair and stool

Both the birthing chair (birthing chair) and the birthing stool (birthing stool) are intended to support a pregnant woman during childbirth.

The birthing stool is a small chair without a backrest with a recess for the baby. The mother-to-be sits on it in an upright position and can be held and supported from behind by the father-to-be. Many women find this pleasant. However, there are also women giving birth who cannot cope with too much closeness in the stressful situation of childbirth.

The disadvantage of the stool is the close proximity to the floor during childbirth. One should also think of the other participants, i.e. midwives and doctors who are crouching on the floor. Another disadvantage is the hardness and discomfort of the stool.

The birthing chair also supports the upright position of the delivering woman. There are many models, such as those made of wood. Visually, they look more like deck chairs. The pregnant woman does not give birth at such a deep level as with the stool. However, childbirth is not very convenient here either.

Wall bars

The wall bars that are used for childbirths are the same as those found in many sports halls. The pregnant woman can hold onto it by kneeling or crouching on the floor. This supports the four-legged position (see below). All of this should help to facilitate the upright position of the pregnant woman during labor. In this position gravity helps with the opening.

Quadruped

Many pregnant women want to avoid the lying position during delivery. The four-legged stand is an alternative. This birth position is still known to many indigenous peoples today. The force of gravity is used for delivery. It is important, however, that the pregnant woman does not fall into a hollow back.

Expectant mothers can also stand on four feet in a circular bed. The advantage here is that the birth takes place at a height at which, for example, the perineal protection can be carried out more easily and professionally by the midwife.

Pezziball

The Pezzi ball, or exercise ball, is a large ball that the delivering woman can sit on with her legs apart. The partner can hold and support her from behind, maybe even massage her back.

During the opening phase, the ball is now a widely recognized means of supporting the opening of the cervix. The sitting position opens the birth canals. In addition, gravity can help in this position.

Roma wheel

The Roma wheel is a birthing frame in which the pregnant woman can be stored in an almost lying or sitting position. It's a bit like a hammock. The big advantage is not only the possibility of an upright position and thus the supporting gravity to the cervical opening. The hollow back is also bent forward during childbirth. It is difficult to overstretch your back in the seat. At the same time, the legs can be supported or stored in special straps. This offers the expectant mother optimal support during the pressing phase.

Birth on earth

This position is also offered in some maternity clinics - if the delivering woman feels comfortable in this situation and the child is doing well. However, it is inconvenient for the other parties involved, such as the midwife and doctor. In addition: If complications arise, the pregnant woman has to be repositioned, which can cost valuable time.

Circular bed, cozy corner, double bed

In modern clinics, the circular bed is electrically adjustable and consists of three parts, each of which can be moved separately: a head part, a middle part with a recess for the child and a foot part. This makes it possible to have the classic bed shape. However, lying in bed is not necessarily beneficial for childbirth. Then gravity cannot support the opening of the cervix. The bed can be converted into a birthing chair or stool so that the pregnant woman can take a more upright position. The expectant father can sit behind the pregnant woman and hold her if so desired. These beds are therefore versatile and usually more comfortable and softer than stools and chairs.

If a forceps or suction bell delivery is necessary, this special birthing chair or stool can quickly be pushed together to form a "normal bed" and the woman's legs can be placed in leg holders attached to the side. So not much time is lost. Another advantage of the circular bed is that the perineal protection can be carried out easily - the working height for the midwife is optimal. A possible suture of a perineal cut or tear is then also possible without any problems. If complications arise that require anesthesia, this can also be carried out in a circular bed.

Some delivery rooms offer expectant parents the opportunity to be a little closer. That is why the circle rooms are equipped with cozy corners or double beds. This can help the expectant mother to relax - a valuable effect during the often long hours of delivery.

Tags:  alcohol drugs toadstool poison plants Menstruation