Posterior birth #2 - how to cope?

**MrsScatterbrain** · 03-10-2007 08:23

Hi everyone,

My OB and I have worked out that it is very likely I'll have another posterior birth with my next bub (9 weeks away!), as we're pretty sure I have a shallow pelvis. As bubs that come through a shallow pelvis don't turn before delivery, I'll need to have and epidural and rotation forceps again for delivery.

Has anyone out there had multiple posterior labours? How did you cope? Did you just go for the epi straight away (knowing you'll end up with one for the delivery anyway) or try and labour naturally for as long as possible?

Also, did your bubs come off a bit worse for wear? (DS1 was very bruised and had to be checked for broken bones).

Thanks!

**tally** · 03-10-2007 08:32

I've delivered 3 posterior babies, and it looks like this ones posterior also..

I didnt know until I started on these types of forums that it was anything diff so to me my births were quite normal...

My first one was probably the hardest and took quite a few hours to push him out, he was bruised etc but none the worse for wear... 13yrs on I still have pelvis pain which I contribute to the delivery.. the other 2 were pretty easy in comparison.

The epi option is there, i'll go with the flow and if I feel I cant handle it anymore i'll have one...

I'm not too worried about it, I know my body can do it, and if I stress too much it'll only cause problems..

Goodluck..

**kristi001** · 03-10-2007 13:40

My Son was born Posterior without the need of too much intervention.

I opted for a drug free labour and all went to plan.

DS Took 2 hours to Push out and Had an indent on the top of his Head and a few bruises and marks on his face and head.

No forcepts or anything were used the makrks were just from my pelvis and the fact he was sitting there for quite a while.

Goodluck Anyway Hun I am sure You will do Great!

**me270880** · 04-10-2007 06:55

i've had posterior births with only pethadine and ARM. my first was a long labour due to my cervix not having the presure to open properly. i found moving as much as possible to be a great help also leaning forward helped to take the pressure off my back, also not forcing pushing ,just letting my body take over. i contribute these things to having minimal tearing and no stiches, (also helped not having huge babies). do what feels right for u, don't let anyone push u into a birth that u dont feel comfortable with. just know that an eppie and forceps are available to help u but it is ur decision if u would like that help.
good luck

**TeamAwesome** · 04-10-2007 07:10

I had a posterior labour with my first and was expecting the same with my 2nd but she turned last minute.

I was aware I was having a posterior with my first and I wanted to try everything else before I got to the epi. I LOVED using the bath as I found I was able to relax in between contractions as it took the edge off the pain that obviously continues in your back, I also used heat packs and had some one massaging hard on my lower back for about 45 mins.

I didn't actually need an epi as my labour was much shorter then I expected (I did ask for one but after being examined found out I was 10cms dialated) and the midwives believed it was due to my having been in the bath and being able to relax and let my body do it's job.

Oh and earlier in labour I also used the shower on my back while rocking.

I hope that helps a bit. You can do it and you never know you might prove the Ob wrong and not need any intervention!

**punkbaby** · 04-10-2007 08:50

I had ds posterior but i guess i was lucky as i only needed pethedine, and being second bubs i guess i have pushed a bub out before, silly as it sounds so i know that i could do it again

I found that leaning over the beanbag on the floor (much to my ob and middies discust) made it a quiet quick delivery, i pushed him out in about 20 minutes no tearing but very sore for quiet a few weeks.

Think positive try different positions in what your comfy with if you can but i just found the whole on all fours method worked for me

**wildfire** · 04-10-2007 19:31

Try the website www.spinningbabies.com (or something like that) or google optimal foetal positioning. There are lots of things you can try to do to avoid posterior positioning, and sadly this is not something many obs care to inform woman about. And as others have mentioned, have an active labour as many babies will turn in labour if given the chance. Good luck!

**MrsScatterbrain** · 05-10-2007 07:41

Thanks so much for your advice - I feel so much braver now!

Wildfire - that site is excellent - I've been looking and looking for info on posterior births and can't find a thing!

**wildfire** · 05-10-2007 12:20

Yep, in my opinion reading up on optimal foetal positioning is a must for every pregnant woman. Avoiding posterior presenting babies is actually not that hard, and considering that posterior babies often lead to much longer, harder labours an therefore increased intervention, I'm surprised that more obstetricians don't talk about it

Once again, good luck!!