Epidural - birthing positions

[msp2023]

Hi! FTM and considering an epidural.
My question is realistically what positions can you give birth in when you've had an epidural?

This may sound so stupid but are you inevitably just on your back because you're numb and can't use your legs to hold you up?

Yes.

Friendly poster aren't you 🙃

You asked a question, the poster replied. Why the sarcasm?

Typically on your back but I found dc2 went into distress whenever I wasn't on my back so it's not necessarily an issue. Dc1 I had spent 24 hours in standing and good birthing positions whilst having contractions every 20 seconds but with 0 change. Nct classes has drummed into me not to lie down as I'd be doomed. So by the time I had the epidural I was ready to pass out from exhaustion anyway. I wish now I hadn't been so paranoid about birthing position and taken it easier!

When I had my epidural I layed on my side I could still mostly feel my legs and I stopped topping up towards the end so I could feel when to push. I was up and walking not long after for a shower

When I had an epidural I was still able to try other positions, and I did, but lying on my back was the only one that worked for me. Like @Dynamoat I'd been to pregnancy classes that made a big deal of not lying on your back, but when the time came I tried out lots of supposedly better positions and the only one in which labour progressed was lying on my back! Good luck OP.

When I had epidural it was until my last top up (think it was about 6th) that I couldn't really feel my legs. I spent a lot of time on my side or knelt up as DD was back to back so while I wasn't in agony my back was still hurting. I was still able to get up to walk to the loo and about 20 mins after giving birth and being stitched up I was walking to the bath. I wouldn't panic too much but if you're in pain please ask them to top it up, from what I can remember I think they can top up every 45mins but of course the more you have the more you'll stop being able to feel your legs x

I’m a midwife. Some women with epidurals manage to kneel facing the back of the bed (so hanging over the back /head of the bed). But if you are very numb I’m a big fan of left lateral position. Takes the pressure off your back, helps the baby rotate into a good position. Especially if they have a peanut ball you can put between your legs.