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Protecting Your Pelvic Floor

How Much Do You Know About This Part of Your Anatomy?

By Jacqueline Rupp

11. False. Known as applying fundal pressure, this technique can be very damaging to the pelvic floor and internal organs such as the uterus and bladder during labor and delivery. This is a procedure that should be discussed with your caregiver beforehand.

12. b. You have the right to specify which procedures you allow and which you do not want unless there is an urgent medical need. You can write this statement ahead of time after reviewing the information and research available and making up your mind. Hospital staff are very familiar with birth plans now and should accommodate your needs however medically possible. However, it can be a daunting task to disagree during labor with your care provider. "If these practices are routine and acceptable to the medical professionals, you may find yourself in an adversarial and vulnerable position while in labor," says Dr. Sakala. "Such discord and apprehension can stall and disrupt labor." She suggests using a doula, who can act as your advocate, expressing your wishes to medical staff.

13. d. "The worst position for giving birth is the one that is most commonly used," says Dr. Sakala. According to the Listening to Mothers survey, a whopping three-fourths of women give birth in the lying flat on the back position. "However, it puts women in the position of pushing against gravity and may tempt caregivers to widen the opening with an episiotomy," says Dr. Sakala. "This is an especially painful position for many women, and the weight of the baby, the amniotic fluid, etc., on major arteries can limit the flow of oxygen to the baby and cause fetal distress. Side-lying, hands-and-knees and upright positions appear to result in less stress and less interventions."

Want to see more?

• Birth Positions: How the Right Position Can Prevent an Episiotomy
• Powerful Pushing: New Method Promises Safer, More Efficient Delivery
• Pregnancy Nutrition From A to Z: A Comprehensive List of Nutrition Issues for Moms-to-be
• The Grand Tour: A Quick Trip Through the Labor and Delivery Room
• Pelvic Power: The Benefits of Kegel Exercises for Pregnancy and the Rest of Your Life
• Talk about it!