How Does Supine Position Affect Health?
Supine Position During Pregnancy: Benefits & Risks
What Is A Supine Position?
A supine position is when the body is supported by one or both legs on a chair or bed. The knees are bent at 90 degrees and feet are placed on the floor. There may be some support from pillows, but not much. If the woman sits with her back against a wall, she will have no problem staying in this position. However, if she leans forward too far, it becomes difficult to keep the spine straight.
The main benefit of sitting in a supine position is that it allows gravity to work better on your lower back than standing up while pregnant. Your baby’s head will naturally move down toward your pelvis because gravity works best there.
The main risk of a supine position is that it puts pressure on the back muscles. You could develop a strain or injury in these muscles.
Also, if you lean forward too far, you may put extra stress on your neck and shoulders. This can lead to headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and fainting spells. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately!
When Should I Avoid Sitting In A Supine Position?
If any of the following apply to you, discuss this with your health care provider before sitting in a supine position:
You’ve had a cesarean section with your previous baby
You’ve had a uterine surgery (myomectomy, fibroid removal, etc)
You’ve had a high-risk pregnancy due to age or other pre-existing condition (diabetes, heart disease, preeclampsia)
You are 40 years of age or older
You are carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc)
You develop pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in late pregnancy)
What Are The Benefits Of A Semi-Supine Position During Pregnancy?
A semi-supine position is when you lie on your side and prop yourself up on one elbow. Your legs don’t have to be bent, but they can be. Either way, this position gives good support to your body while keeping gravity working for you. It’s a great relief to your legs, back, and shoulders.
The main benefit of a semi-supine position is that it reduces pressure on your back, hips, and shoulders. Some women find this position very relaxing.
It’s also easy to get in and out of.
When Should I Avoid A Semi-Supine Position?
If any of the following apply to you, discuss this with your health care provider before trying a semi-supine position:
You’ve had a cesarean section with your previous baby
You’ve had a uterine surgery (myomectomy, fibroid removal, etc)
You’ve had a high-risk pregnancy due to age or other pre-existing condition (diabetes, heart disease, preeclampsia)
You are 40 years of age or older
You are carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc)
You develop pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in late pregnancy)
What Is The Best Positions For A Breech Baby?
The best position for a breech baby is one that keeps gravity working with the baby, not against it. The best way to do this is to lie on your side and let the baby drop into the best position. Do not try to turn the baby! Attempting to do so can cause more problems, including a miscarriage.
Do not try to turn a baby whose head is engaged and breech! You may cause the umbilical cord to become wrapped around the baby’s neck, which can lead to serious problems.
What Is The Fetal Occiput Transverse (FOT) Position?
In the transverse position, the back of the baby’s head is facing your spine and the sides of the baby’s head are facing the outsides of your hips. In the FOT position, the back of the baby’s head is facing your spine and the ears are toward the sides of your hips.
What Is The Fetal Occiput Posterior (FOP) Position?
In the posterior position, the back of the baby’s head is facing your spine and the front of the baby’s head is facing your belly. In the FOP position, the back of the baby’s head is facing your spine and the chin is toward the front of your belly. The anterior position is when the baby’s face is facing your front.
What Is The Breech Tilt?
The breech tilt is a modified version of a hands and knees position (quadruple flexion). In the breech tilt, you raise your hips as your legs rest on a stool, chair, or other support. This is an attempt to give the baby more room to turn.
What Is The McRobert’s Position?
The McRobert’s position is when you put your feet together and put your knees as wide apart as possible. You may need someone to hold your ankles so you don’t fall over.
What Is The Standing Position?
The standing position is when you are completely upright. You can lean against a wall or squat using a chair for support. This position allows gravity to help the baby turn into a proper position.
What Is The Hands And Knees Position (Quadruple Flexion)?
In the hands and knees position, you get on all fours and arch your back to allow the baby to reposition. This is also known as the quadruple flexion position.
What Is The Walking Position?
The walking position is when you walk around to help move the baby into the correct position.
What If Those Don’t Work?
If none of these positions work, your health care provider may try to manually turn the baby. This is done by applying pressure on your abdomen repeatedly to try to move the baby into the correct position.
What If My Baby Still Won’t Turn?
If your baby still won’t turn, or if something is wrong, you may need to have a c-section.
The Benefits Of Hands And Knees Or Quadruple Flexion Position:
The benefits of the hands and knees or quadruple flexion position are that it can be done at home and involves no expense. It is not dangerous and there is no risk to the baby.
It may work if done consistently.
The Disadvantages Of Hands And Knees Or Quadruple Flexion Position:
The disadvantages of the hands and knees or quadruple flexion position are that your baby may not move into the correct position. This position can be strenuous on your back.
The Benefits Of Walking:
The main benefit of walking is that it has no risk to you or your baby. It may be helpful in some cases.
The Disadvantages Of Walking:
The main disadvantage is that it is not always effective as your baby may not turn no matter how fast or far you walk. It may be annoying to have to walk back and forth and it can be tiresome.
The Benefits Of The McRobert’s Position:
The main benefit of the McRobert’s position is that it is not dangerous.
The Disadvantages Of The McRobert’s Position:
The main disadvantage is that it is not always effective and may not be helpful in all situations. You may experience pain in your knees.
The Benefits Of The Standing Position:
The main benefit of the standing position is that it allows gravity to help your baby move into a better position. This can be done in the comfort of your own home.
The Disadvantages Of The Standing Position:
The main disadvantage is that it may or may not be effective. You also have to make sure you are safe and do not fall.
This position can cause pain and discomfort to your back.