Biomechanics for Birth

Description:

One of the most common reasons for interventions in labour is dystocia, also known as ‘obstructed labour’. Dystocia accounts for 25% to 55% of primary caesarean births. 1 Dystocia is most often caused due to the baby being in a sub-optimal position, such as occiput posterior (back-to-back / OP). Understanding elements of biomechanics at birth requires practitioners to have a deeper awareness of the baby’s journey through the pelvis during labour. This workshop focuses on the art and science of preventing and identifying labour dystocia and how to correct it using biomechanical principles. It teaches techniques and positions to help resolve malposition’s and also raises questions about clinical practice and assumptions made during intrapartum care. 2 Having this knowledge and skill as a provider will help women have more positive birth experiences.

Target Audience:

ANMs, GNMs, Staff Nurses, Doctors and Students.

Methodologies Employed:

Didactic presentation, demonstration and hands-on training as well as case scenarios.

Training Outcome:

  1. Deepens knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of the pelvis, pelvic dynamics, and the mechanical relationship between the pelvis and the rest of the body.
  2. Enhances skills to recognise risk factors during pregnancy, such as life styles that can increase chances of labour dystocia and offer appropriate advice as a part of antenatal education.
  3. Recognise symptoms of mechanical labour dystocia and learn techniques and positions that can be used, based on biomechanical principles, to minimise medical intervention.
  4. Promote physiological births by understanding barriers, such as limiting women’s instinctive birth positions and freedom of movement.

Duration:

7 hours or 2 half-days (recommended)

Trainer-Trainee Ratio:

1:5

  1. LeFevre NM, Krumm E, Cobb WJ. Labor Dystocia in Nulliparous Women. Am Fam Physician. 2021 Jan 15;103(2):90-96. PMID: 33448772.[↩]
  2. Optimal Birthing. Biomechanics for Birth. Available at: https://www.optimalbirth.co.uk/index.php/courses-and-availability/biomechanics-for-birth-professionals Accessed on 13 Jan, 2025.[↩]