How is your baby positioned as you get closer to delivery? (Fetal Position)

This is the most beautiful time of your life. In a few weeks, your baby will be in your arms. During this final stage, you may have a lot of questions on your mind. "Is the baby okay?", "Will my water break?", "Will it hurt?" Along with things like "Is my baby in the right place now?", another big question that comes to mind is "Is my baby in the right place now?". Today, we will talk about the fetal position of the baby before delivery. This is a very important topic for you.

What is Fetal Position? Why is it important?

Simply put, 'Fetal Position' refers to the position your baby is in inside your uterus before birth. Your doctor may also call this 'Fetal Presentation'. This refers to which part of the baby's body is expected to come out first during delivery.

Now let's see why this is so important. A doctor's main goal is to get you and your baby through this process safely and healthily. The baby's position will determine whether you can have a vaginal delivery or a C-section. If your baby is in a difficult position, a normal delivery can be risky for both you and your baby. That's why it's important to know this in advance.

What are the different positions a baby can be in?

Most of the time, babies get into the right position when they're due. But sometimes, that doesn't happen. Let's take a look at the main positions babies are in while in the womb. Some of these can cause minor complications during childbirth.

What is the best position for childbirth?

As we mentioned earlier, the best and safest position is the Cephalic or Occiput Anterior. In this position, the baby's head is down and the smallest part of the head comes out first, making the birth much easier. The risks to both mother and baby are the lowest in this position.

The best part is, most babies naturally turn into this position between 32 and 36 weeks . So don't worry. Your baby still has time to get into the correct position.

Are there other important things besides the baby's position?

Yes, there are two other small matters for doctors to consider.

• Fetal Attitude: This is the way the baby is held. The best way is to hold the baby's chin against the chest, with the arms and legs tucked in . Like a little ball. This makes the birth easier.
• Fetal Lie: This refers to the position of the baby's back and your back. It is best if the baby's back is parallel (vertical) to your back. This is called a `longitudinal lie`. If the baby is lying across, it is called a `transverse lie`.

How does the doctor know the baby's position?

You may remember when you went to the clinic in the last few months of your pregnancy, the doctor would touch your belly and look at it. At that time, he would gently press on your belly and look at where the baby's head is, where the legs are, and which side the back is facing. This method can often help you find the baby's position.

But sometimes, if it's hard to find out exactly, the doctor will ask you to do an ultrasound scan . The scan can show the baby's position 100% accurately.

Is it dangerous for the baby if it is in a breech position?

This is a question that many mothers ask. Before the baby is born, that is, while it is still inside the uterus, being in a breech position does not cause any harm or risk to the baby. It does not cause any discomfort to the baby.

However, there are risks if you try to deliver a baby in a breech position vaginally . The baby's head is the largest part of the body. When it finally comes out, it can become stuck, the umbilical cord can get wrapped around the neck, and the baby can become starved of oxygen. This is why a C-section is recommended for breech babies.

Are there ways to turn the baby into the right position?

Yes, sometimes there are ways to try to turn the baby. But these are not always successful. But if it is safe to do so, you can talk to your doctor and try it.

The doctor's procedure: External Cephalic Version (ECV)

This is the main medical procedure to turn the baby inside out. This is done in the hospital by a doctor . After giving you medicine to relax the muscles of your uterus, the doctor places his hands on your belly and slowly turns the baby to try to get the head down. This is usually done between 36 and 38 weeks. This is done in the hospital so that a C-section can be done immediately if there are any complications.

Things you can try at home

There's no guarantee that these things will make the baby turn. But since they don't do any harm, it's worth talking to your doctor and trying them out.

• Changing your position: Exercises like yoga can help your baby turn.
• Putting your hands and knees on the ground, slowly rocking back and forth.
• Lying on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and slowly lifting your hips up (bridge pose).
• Using stimuli: You can encourage your baby to move by hearing and feeling things.
• Listen to music, talk to the baby.
• Place something cold, such as an ice pack, on the upper part of the abdomen where you think the baby's head is. Then the baby may try to turn down to get away from the cold.
• Some people also try treatments like acupuncture. But if you do something like this, make sure you only get it from a qualified practitioner recommended by your doctor .

Are there any factors that increase the risk of the baby being in the wrong position?

Yes, some factors may increase the chance of the baby being in a breech position.

• Premature baby: The baby may not have enough time to turn into the correct position.
• Placental problems: A condition such as placenta previa, where the placenta is positioned low, can block the baby's ability to turn.
• Multiple pregnancy: When there is more than one baby in the womb, there may not be enough room for everyone to get into the correct position.
• Abnormalities in the shape of the uterus: Some women's uterus may be deformed, which may not have enough room for the baby to turn.

It's normal to feel scared and anxious when you find out your baby is in a breech position. You may have even made a 'birth plan'. But remember, things don't always go as planned during childbirth. A C-section may not be in your plan. But, the most important thing is that you and your baby are safe and healthy. Discuss any questions and concerns you have with your doctor. He or she will help you choose the best and safest option for you.