Best positions for delivering??

[sallycinamon]

What is the best position for delivering baby to minimise the risk of tearing?

Supported squat or all fours.

Plus do perineum massage and take EPO (evening primrose oil, make sure it is pure EPO not with added vitamin A), both vaginally and orally for the last couple of weeks to help with more stretchy skin.

It can also help for the mw to put a warm compress on your perineum whilst pushing.

I think a water birth is also supposed to help.

Evidence shows that you are less likely to tear if you deliver in water. The main thing though is to make sure you deliver as slowly as possible once the head starts to crown, no matter what position you are in. Hands and knees or squatting are the easiest ways to give birth as gravity helps out and by not lying on your coccyx, you allow some extra room through your pelvis, especially useful if you're having a big baby.

Have a look at this page.

ummm - well in my experience it doesn't really matter. Either you will be compelled to assume aparticular position because thats what your body is screaming to do - or you will be forced to lie down because of complications.
I think standing is supposed to be best isn't it ?

I found standing for the most part then collapsing on to all fours while biting on the sofa cushions worked well and I only had a tiny graze, but that was because she had her hand beside her head superman-style, would've gotten away with it too if it wasn't for them pesky kids hand!

On your side leg up gives you good angle to bear down especially if tired

I found semi standing while strangling DH (lovingly of course)then going onto all fours worked - I had a small tear each time, but nothing that needed stitches and purely because I don't get a pushing reflex as such, because of back/nerve problems post C/S so had to just go for it

I don't know about tearing as I had a tiny one with my youngest, which didn't need stitching, but on your knees facing the back of the bed ime.