Working out your baby's position

Although this can be challenging, it is sometimes possible to work out the position your baby is lying in.

Try to make a note of where your baby kicks, as you may see a small heel from time to time as he grows in strength, and this can give you a clue as to his position.

Think about what your tummy feels and looks like and remember that, as a general rule, babies' bottoms will feel squashier in the womb and their heads will feel harder (having said that, it’s still easy to get them muddled up!).

For babies lying in an anterior (his back facing your front) position, your belly and navel might pop right out and you might also feel kicks under your ribs.

For babies lying in a posterior position (his back to your back), your belly might appear slightly flatter and you may also feel your baby’s kicks at the very front of your tummy. Backache in the last few weeks of pregnancy can also mean posterior baby, but lots of women experience backache in pregnancy anyway, so this isn’t the firmest of indicators.

Generally, your OB-GYN or nurse-a midwife can feel which way round your baby is lying as he gets bigger. With first pregnancies, the baby will normally 'engage' (also known as 'lightening') around four weeks before delivery – which means he moves down into your pelvis in anticipation of the journey ahead. You may recognize that this has happened because you can feel sharp little twinges in your pelvis as the baby moves (not to mention his hard little head pressed up against your bladder!), and the shape of your bump may change as your center of gravity shifts. You may also find it a tad easier to take a deep breath since he’s no longer pressed up against your rib cage.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.