Upright, forward and open. When?

[TitchyWitch]

When I was pregnant with my last baby my antenatal teacher encouraged us to adopt the above position as often as possible to get the baby in the right position and avoid a back to back labour. Unfortunately I didn't make it past this class as had my DD 4 weeks early so didn't get to ask when you should start. This time round I'm really exhausted and just flop onto the sofa in the evening but as I'm trying for a VBAC I really think I ought to try to get the baby in the right position. so when should I start spending my evenings sitting on a chair backwards as if I'm Judd Nelson in The Breakfast Club?

LOL - I don't know as I'm just on my first pregnancy but your Breakfast Club comment made me laugh!! Very visual!

I've been wondering this too, but as I'm only 24 weeks my LO is moving around alot atm. I'm trying to get in better habits though and at least sit upright (propped up by cushions) in an armchair.

I don't know if there is a recommended starting time, but I'd think in any case it can't hurt to get into the habit? The idea after all is not to be uncomfortable all the time, but to find an upright, forward and open position that you can comfortably relax into.

Pretty sure that my antental teacher (NCT) talked about Upward Forward and Open as the optimal position for labour itself, rather than beforehand. Although she did go on about not slumping in front of the TV too! I spent quite a bit of time watching TV on the birthing ball, which forces you to sit upright but is still relatively comfortable. Not as comfy as slumping on the sofa though!

According to the handout I got from my midwives it is "especially from 32 weeks" It also says first babies need to get in to position by 36 weeks or they run out of room to turn around, second and subsequent babies can take their time as it is all a lot looser in there Advice is 1. Keep hips above knees 2. Don't cross legs 3. Keep chest forward of abdomen 4. Lie on your left side 5. Use all fours as much as possible (yes it really says this and goes on to talk about cleaning skirting boards!) 6. No inverted postures (just in case you fancied doing a quick headstand)

Thanks VotePedro, that's useful.

Wigeon - the issue is that slumping on the sofa and spending a lot of time leaning back (e.g. driving, sitting back in an office chair) may encourage the baby into a back-to-back position, so Upright Forward and Open is needed before birth to get in a good position.

Thank you for your replies, I'm 35+4 today and am trying to be more upright. I have a scan tomorrow so I'm hoping that they can tell me whether the baby is the right way round or not, the sitting backwards on a chair didn't seem too comfy yesterday so will be thinking of other ways to sit!