alternative positions for vaginal examinations (SPD)

[MamaChris]

I have moderately bad SPD, which started at 8 weeks this pregnancy. I am expecting twins, and still hoping for a normal vaginal birth. Reading up, I learn I should avoid lying on my back for delivery. But what about VEs - can these be performed in a lateral position for example? Because this will be a hospital twin birth, I suspect everyone will be keen to examine me often, but perhaps I am wrong here?

Hello - try left lateral with your right leg in the air or on your knees in the lightning position ( head on the ground, bum in the air). Both positions reliever pressure on your back and any health care professional worth their salt will not have a problem with you beingin a slightly different position. Good Luck! x

I used left lateral position for my (one) VE and also for being stitched. The MW had no problem with it, in fact for the stitching IIRC she reminded me.
You don't have to consent to more VEs than you want, however keen everyone is

Yes, VEs can be done in the left lateral position - or right lateral, for that matter. Left lateral is also a fairly 'comfortable' position in which to give birth. I did it and had dh supporting my right knee, with my right foot on the midwife's shoulder. You barely need to open your knees at all in this position.

But also be aware that you do not have to have
lots of VEs. I had far too many with my first, and so refused with my second to have any. I had only one in the end, when I said I neeeded to push, because I had been labouring unobserved by any midwife and she had not been able to assess me. I had no VEs at all with no3.

Thanks. Good to know that, especially that bum in the air () or right lateral is possible, as I can't lie on my left hip without pain. Is there any reason to prefer left lateral over right lateral for giving birth too?

With ds I had only one VE, and I'd rather do the same this time, but I am getting ready to negotiate with them about things like no epidural, continuous monitoring, access to water in 1st stage, and want to remain flexible on things that worry me less. I don't enjoy VEs, but they don't bother me either, so I'm planning this to be one of the points I "give in" on

They prefer you to be in left lateral rather than right lateral for second stage. Not sure why- possibly to do with better blood supply to uterus? I don't know how significant it is. In any case, it's your second (?) labour, so you wontbe pushing for all that long. Something to discuss with your midwife, I think.