Encouraging your baby into a good birth position
A mom-to-be’s positions and movement in the final weeks of pregnancy and in labor can influence her baby’s position in the uterus, and can make delivery of the baby easier.
Baby positions
Occiput anterior (OA) is the ideal position for your baby to lie in. It means he’s head down and facing your back, with his back on one side of the front of your tummy – the perfect position for making his way down the birth canal because he won’t have to turn.
Occiput posterior (OP) the baby is head down but facing your tummy. This position isn’t as good because if your baby doesn’t turn around during your labor he’ll be born face up (it’s often referred to as ‘sunny side up’!). This can result in a longer second stage (the stage when you push out your baby) and a higher risk of episiotomy or assisted delivery with forceps or a vacuum extraction cup.
Top tips for getting your baby into the best position
- Avoid slouching on chairs or the couch with your knees higher than your pelvis (so don’t put your feet up).
- Don’t cross your legs while sitting, as this reduces space in your pelvis.
- If you’re in the habit of eating in front of the TV, switch to sitting upright at the table.
- Watch TV kneeling on a cushion so you’re upright.
- Sit on a cushion in the car so your pelvis is tilted forward.
- Sleep on your side.
- Try yoga – many positions are good for encouraging your baby to move.
- Swimming can help as long as it’s breaststroke or the front crawl, but avoid backstroke as the baby may push back upon your blood vessels.
- If your baby is still posterior when you go into labor, try to have an active birth if possible. Walk, rock from side-to-side and march on the spot. It may look silly, but if you baby turns around into a better position, your labor will be shorter and less painful.
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.
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Last Modified: 07/05/2007
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Wow you have done it all! How did your scar hold up under the pressure of the vbac? My first was an emergency c section and i had problems after as the wound reopened and i got an infection which was horrible so now I am unsure whether to try a vbac or opt for an elective c-sect. I am due in 6 weeks and the midwife couldn't tell whether the baby has turned or not last week so I am dreading it if I have a vbac and it is breech or back to back. An elective csect sounds like a good idea on some days when I think about it - i can plan ahead, husband can take the time off work, mother in law can look after my daughter and help out afterwards etc but because of what happened first time around I am really not sure I can go through that again.
i had 2 labours with my baby's being "back to back" one (my first resulted in a 4 day labour over all and ended with an emergency c-section. my second was a vbac and she took 18hrs in total and my 3rd she was fully breech and a c-section. my 4th due in 9weeks is head down and so far is in the corect position for labour and birth. i just hope he stays that way as am hoping for a vbac2
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