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Why is my baby not in the right position?

Most fetuses spend some time lying sideways in the uterus. At 28 weeks, one in five fetuses are in the breech position (head up, buttocks down). Eventually, at around 36 weeks, the majority of babies are positioned with their head down toward the mother's vagina.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is the normal birth position for a baby?

The large majority of babies are born with their head down near the mother's vagina, with the face directed towards the mother's rear. The baby's head is bent down so the chin is resting against the chest.

What is the breech position?

The breech position is when your baby is in the womb with its head upward and buttocks facing down, near the vagina.

How common is the breech position?

About 3-4% of babies are in the breech position during labor.

What is a transverse position?

The transverse position is when your baby is lying sideways in the womb. If it remains like this close to the due date, it cannot be delivered vaginally and a caesarean section must be performed. The transverse position is rare.

What is the face presentation?

In this rare presentation, the baby is in the normal head-down position, but the baby's face enters the birth canal first, rather than the top of the head. This is because the chin is pointing out rather than resting against the chest. This presentation is …

How can I know what position my baby is in?

Your doctor or midwife can often have an indication of your baby's position by feeling your abdomen. A clear picture is provided by an ultrasound scan.

Can my baby be shifted to the right position?

There are some methods that can help a baby shift into the correct position. External cephalic version (ECV) is the most effective method. It can be attempted between the 32nd and 37th weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor will place his hands over …

What can be done during birth to correct my baby's position?

If your baby is in an incorrect position once labor has started, your doctor or midwife can try to shift it around with their hands and/or instruments (such as forceps) via the birth canal. If that does not help, in certain …

What is a cord prolapse?

A cord prolapse is when the umbilical cord enters the birth canal first, before the baby, usually after the mother's waters have broken. This is considered to be an emergency as the cord, which is the life line to the baby, can subsequently become blocked during …

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About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Votes: 1097 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Fertility

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