Positions in
late Pregnancy
Occiput Anterior
 Occiput
is the back of baby's head. Known as occiput
anterior or OA for short, this is the ideal
position for baby to pass through the pelvis.
In other words there is a good chance of
labor being straightforward. Baby will be
facing the mother's back with his back to
one side of the mother's abdomen. Babies
mostly assume this position. If baby's back
is more on the right side his position is
said to be right occipital anterior or ROA.
It is said to be LOA if baby's back is more
on the left.
Occiput Posterior
If baby is lying with his back against the
mother's back and facing the maternal abdomen,
the position is termed occiput posterior
or OP position. This is relatively uncommon
with only about 5% of babies sticking to
this position and not reversing to the OA
position. If baby remains in the OP position
it does not mean vaginal birth is not possible.
However labor tends to be longer with the
mother suffering from backache because baby's
spine presses against hers. Most of the
posterior babies change positions at the
end of the first stage of labor. If it doesn't
happen the likelihood of an assisted delivery
or C-section.
| |
|
 Are
You a US Mom who is Pregnant
and Without Maternity Insurance?
"Whether
you're 1 or 40 weeks pregnant, Maternity Advantage can help
with medical expenses, cribs, baby clothes, bedding, baby
food and diapers.
Click
here for free information on
how you can save up to 65%."
|
|
|
| |
Breech
 This
position is one when baby's buttocks faces
down and his head is just under the mother's
ribs. Baby's legs may be tucked up as in
frank breech or one or both of baby's legs
may be pointing down (footling breech).
EVC or external cephalic version may be
offered to the mother at week 37 if she
is carrying a breech baby. EVC will involve
the obstetrician manipulating the mother's
womb to turn the baby around. About 60%
of breech babies are delivered by cesarean.
Transverse Lie
 It
is also known as the oblique lie. In transverse
lie or TR the baby has his head towards
the mother's left or right side and lies
diagonally across the uterus. This position
is probable if the baby is small and has
more room to move about at the end of pregnancy,
in twin deliveries and if the mother has
had several children. Cesarean becomes necessary
unless baby turns.
Unstable Lie
Some babies keep changing positions even
after week 37. In unstable lie situations,
labor may be induced when baby has his head
down.
Things you can try to help baby get into
the best position for labor:
• Sit with your knees lower than your
hips
• Lean over slightly as much as you
can when standing
• Regular swimming on your front -
breaststroke is the best
• Kneel and lean over a beanbag when
watching TV |
