What does -3 pelvic station mean

Many pregnant people hear stories of long labours. Especially in first time parents. Heading to the hospital to get checked, to be told they are “only” 1cm dilated. This blog will explain the many factors involved in early labour and how cervical dilation is only one part of the process. 

Firstly, remember that other labour experiences are not your experience. No two labours will ever be the same. Create a protective bubble of positivity around you. Don’t read scary birth stories. Don’t listen to your cousins horror stories. They are not you. Seek out the positive stories, of happy, beautiful births. They are out there and they are real. 

When a pregnant person consents to a vaginal exam their care provider will check the following:

• Cervical dilation (if your cervix has begun to open)

• Cervical Effacement (How thick or thin your cervix is)

• Cervical consistency (if your cervix is hard or has begun to soften)

• Cervical position (if it remains posterior or has begun to move forward) 

• Fetal station (where in your pelvis your baby is) 

See our previous blog on The Bishop Score here

Before labour begins the cervix is:

• Posterior (Facing back towards the spine)

• Thick (about 4cms)

• Hard (feeling like your chin)

• Closed (0cms / no dilation)

First your cervix will move: When labour begins, the first job your cervix must do is to move into an anterior position (face forward) This can sometimes cause period like cramping or lower back ache. Sometimes this step happens without the pregnant person noticing at all. 

Then your cervix will soften: The next job for the cervix is to change consistency and become soft. This is in preparation to begin to thin out. 

Then your cervix shortens/thins out: The average pregnant cervix is 3.5 cm to 4 cm long. In early labour your cervix softens, shortens and thins (this is called effacement)

Finally dilation happens: Then The final job for the cervix is to begin to open (called dilation) This begins at 0cm and when a cervix is fully dilated it can be stretched to 10cms. This is often the main focus for people in labour “How many centimetres am I?” Very few understand all the amazing work that your cervix has already done! 

Many first time parents experience “stop start” labour. When they have a few hours (often at night) of mild contractions. Only for them to then stop again. This is most likely your cervix beginning these changes, then taking a break to allow your body rest. It can also be your baby moving lower into your pelvis ready for birth. 

So remember all these powerful steps your body is taking. Rest when you can. Nourish your body with food and self care. Your body knows exactly what to do. Try not to be disappointed if you think labour is beginning only for it to stop. It is part of the process for some labours. Rest and be thankful in those breaks. Knowing you will meet your baby very soon. 

The pelvis is mobile. Picking a birth position to open the bottom of the pelvis means less pushing and bruising.

The following positions will help move the bones of the pelvis out of baby’s way better than laying on the bed with knees apart. Pulling the knees apart actually puts the bones closer together at the bottom of the pelvis. Whoops, that’s not helpful! Try these instead:

Internal Rotation of the Femur

Rotate the thigh a bit by putting the knees close at the same time the heels are turned outward. Toes point in towards each other but from far apart.

A resting position with internal rotation of the femur is easy with a peanut ball, slightly deflated birth ball, or big pillow between the ankles. Place a little folded washcloth between bare knees for comfort so the skin doesn’t rub and chaff.

This position can be done kneeling and leaning forward or standing and bending the knees while turning the toes in and the heels out.

Internal Rotation of the femurs makes catching easy! Thanks to the friendly folks at Hill Rom beds.

Tip: Turn the toes in and the heels out to move the bones further out of baby’s way.

Anterior Pelvic Tilt

Whether standing or lying in bed, tipping the tailbone out to flare the sitz bones will open the way for the baby.

Anterior pelvic tilt with raised arms to make room for baby during pushing stage.

The lower back has an extreme curve. Knees are bent to be helpful. The tailbone is lifted and back arches. Lifting the arms helps raise the rib cage for the large or the posterior baby. When squatting, the way the pelvis is tipped is the same as when emptying the bladder or bowels in a floor toilet or where there is no toilet.

The word anterior means something to Physical Therapists and Yoga teachers. The inside of the top of the sacrum moves forward (anterior). Remember the lower back arches.

Side Lunge

Kneel and place one foot flat on the floor at a diagonal to the pelvis. This opens one side of the pelvis.

Open the middle or bottom of the pelvis.

Wouldn’t this be more comfortable if one could lean over a big birth ball, a couch or bed, or a dependable and strong birth partner? During this kneeling lunge, hands could also be placed on the floor in Running Start for a single contraction or two. The wrist will tire if hands are on the floor very long,

This is a personal favorite (with furniture to lean on).

Side-lying with Leg Support

Lying on the left side, with occasional turns to the right side, is a favorite position of those who are in bed for pushing. Support the upper leg with a peanut ball between the thighs. If you need more room for a particular baby, use the internal rotation of the femur shown above.

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