The Risk of Lithotomy Position When in Labor

The lithotomy position is a standard delivery position that is widely practiced throughout the world. But if you are not careful, giving birth in this position can cause side effects that are not small. When giving birth normally, pregnant women are asked to lie down with both legs open, legs raised and knees bent. This position is called the lithotomy position. Not only during delivery, the lithotomy position is also often done during vaginal examinations or surgery in the pelvic area, such as urethral surgery, bowel surgery, bladder removal surgery, and tumor surgery at the tip of the large intestine and prostate.

Various Complications Due to Lithotomy Position

In labor, the lithotomy position is preferred by doctors because they can monitor the condition of the mother and baby more easily. But apparently, this position has several side effects, namely:

• Slowing the delivery process

According to research, giving birth in a lithotomy position is thought to reduce the mother's blood pressure. As a result, contractions become more painful and labor takes longer. The researchers found that squatting was more effective for labor. This position is thought to reduce the pain of contractions. In addition, when squatting, gravity and the baby's weight help open the birth canal and facilitate labor.

• Increases the risk of episiotomy

An episiotomy is an incision that is made along the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus) to widen the size of the birth canal during labor. This procedure is more likely if the pregnant woman is giving birth in a lithotomy position, because this position is thought to increase the risk of injury to the perineum.

• Childbirth with forceps

When compared to the squatting position, giving birth in a lithotomy position increases the risk of needing a Caesarean section and giving birth with forceps to remove the baby. If you don't know yet, forceps are medical devices that look like food tongs. This tool is used to grab the baby's head and help him slowly get out of the birth canal.

• Sphincter or anal muscle injury

According to research, giving birth in a lithotomy position increases the risk of anal sphincter injury due to increased muscle pressure. Anus sphincter muscle injury is somewhat higher in women who give birth for the first time. Sphincter injuries can have long-term effects, such as pain and discomfort, stool incontinence (bowel loss of control over the process of excretion), fistula ani, and sexual dysfunction.

Keep in mind, giving birth with any position and method will always have side effects or complications that accompany. Therefore, it is recommended for pregnant women to discuss with obstetricians to determine what delivery methods are suitable and safe to do according to the conditions experienced.