Best pushing position? Twins (X-Post)

[roxani]

I am 34 weeks preg with twins. My ob and I discussed today that I will be in the OR for the second stage due to hospital policy. He is going to see about having a regular birthing bed in there so that I won't have to be on the operating table. He says I will likely be able to choose the position I want to be in for pushing, I believe as long as I am on the bed. Is there a position or positions that are best for twins? My son was born after 20 minutes of pushing in a semi-reclined position with my legs being held up. I have read that squatting can cause tears if the baby comes out too fast, so I wonder if that wouldn't be a good position for me. Any insight? Thanks!

[Jilian]

I don't know if it's any different for twins, but any position that works with gravity is best. Squatting is one of the best positions because not only do you have gravity on your side, squatting opens up your pelvic diameter by up to 30% If you cannot squat on your own a supported squat would work well too, or a birthing stool.

[boheime]

The BEST position is whatever position YOUR BODY tells you to use during labor. Listen to your body and you will know.

[willoLevin]

Originally Posted by boheime

The BEST position is whatever position YOUR BODY tells you to use during labor. Listen to your body and you will know.

I agree with boheime.

During my first labor, I wanted to be on hands and knees pretty much constantly (after the initial, meditative/peaceful stage I spent in my bed.) We had some signs of distress so I ended up with a vacuum assist (and on my back to allow for that), but I really think I would've had him in the hands and knees position otherwise.

What makes this REALLY interesting is how much I HATE, DESPISE and LOATHE this position in all other contexts! I remember when our Bradley class teacher was having us try this (and other) positions, and how comfortable the other ladies seemed to find it. Arg! I hated it! And then what a surprise in labor.

--willo

[mamaonthefarm]

Originally Posted by roxani

I am 34 weeks preg with twins. My ob and I discussed today that I will be in the OR for the second stage due to hospital policy. He is going to see about having a regular birthing bed in there so that I won't have to be on the operating table. He says I will likely be able to choose the position I want to be in for pushing, I believe as long as I am on the bed. Is there a position or positions that are best for twins? My son was born after 20 minutes of pushing in a semi-reclined position with my legs being held up. I have read that squatting can cause tears if the baby comes out too fast, so I wonder if that wouldn't be a good position for me. Any insight? Thanks!

I haven't had twins but as far as the fast pushing and tearing: I pushed dc1 out in less than 15 minutes with no tearing and dc2 in less then 1 minute with no tearing (I was on all fours with dc2).

As far as twins: my grandmother had twins among her 7 children and said they were the easiest to labor due to their smaller size -- so that's good news. (I am a twin too but my mother had me via c-section so no help there with pushing advice). I would think that whatever your body felt like doing you could do. I've heard that the 2nd twin is usually quite easy to push out.