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Positioning to maximise lumbar flexion

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• Sitting on side of bed with feet on stool or sat cross-legged on bed 

• Chin on chest, pillow under armpits

• Consider bed tilt towards anaesthetist

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• Lateral positioning may be more challenging anaesthetically, but mothers often find it easier

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• Position may be dictated by fetal tolerance

Positioning to maximise lumbar flexion

​

• Sitting on side of bed with feet on stool or sat cross-legged on bed 

• Chin on chest, pillow under armpits

• Consider bed tilt towards anaesthetist

• Consider positioning in theatre with ODP assistance for high BMI or more challenging epidurals - allows for bed tilting to improve lumbar flexion

​

• Lateral positioning may be more challenging anaesthetically, but mothers often find it easier

​

• Position may be dictated by fetal tolerance