A randomized trial of the traditional sitting position versus the hamstring stretch position for labor epidural needle placement.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal and experimental evidence suggest that a sitting position with maximum knee extension, hip adduction, and forward lean (hamstring stretch position) may produce better reversal of the lumbar lordosis than a traditional sitting position. METHODS: In a randomized trial during initiation of epidural labor analgesia, we compared the traditional versus hamstring stretch positions. The primary outcome was the number of needle-bone contacts. RESULTS: The groups were equivalent with respect to the number of needle-bone contacts. CONCLUSIONS: The hamstring stretch position is equivalent to the traditional sitting position in terms of the number of needle-bone contacts encountered when placing labor epidural needles.