Possible to identify posterior baby by head molding?

[Danana]

I guess I should really just figure out how to get my hospital records, but i was wondering if it was possible to tell if a baby was born posterior/anterior based on how the head molds?  The doctor never told me what position my son was in at birth.  he just told me that I would have to have a c-section for future babys b/c, "If you couldn't push out a 7 lb baby, then you can't birth a bigger baby".  Don't worry, I have found a different OB/GYN. My husband and I are ttc #2 and are hoping for a VBAC.  I'm pretty sure that my son was posterior as I had back labor, and it would definitely explain the 3.5 hours of pushing (very frustrating because I could see his head, he was just stuck.)  I refuse to believe that I have CPD.  Anyway, I am posting a picture of my son, if anyone has any insight, it would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[jenniro]

I don't know much about posterior molding, but the back labor sounds like posterior.  Were you able to push in any other position besides lithotomy, on your back?  And you are absolutely right, CPD is rare, usually associated with massive trauma to the pelvis or severe malnutrition.  A study put VBAC success for women diagnosed with CPD at around 60% but as high as 80%.  More than half the women docs say can't push babies out succeed?  And all of sudden in the last 20-30 years women have insufficient pelvises? You'd think docs would be incredibly embarrassed to look that stupid.  

Beautiful little boy! 

[CookAMH]

I wonder that too, here is a pic of my son and he looks to have normal molding, and I wonder if he was really posterior at all. Labor wasn't indicative of a posterior babe.

[bignerpie]

My son was definitely posterior. I just met with a midwife last night about an HBAC for #2, and I showed her this picture. We came to the conclusion that the combination of having my water broken and then pictocin while my son was malpositioned, pushed him down too far into the birth canal to be able to turn properly, and that's why I had such a hard time pushing him out (I pushed for over 3 hours with very little progress). Also, I had an epidural, so I was not able to try different positions for pushing, which may have helped.

In my medical records, the consulting doctor wrote "suspect malposition or CPD." My son was 8 pounds, 11 ounces, and I am 4' 11.5" and I am quite confident that it was not CPD. My mother is even smaller than I am, and she was able to birth my 9 pound brother vaginally.

Here's my picture:

PS- I got my hospital records by downloading a form on their website and mailing it in. I recommend requesting both your and your baby's records.

[Danana]

Thanks!  I am definitely looking into requesting medical records.  I have searched up and down the hospital website and have found nothing.  I guess I will have to call.  Yes, I was induced because the doctor suspected that I was leaking amniotic fluid and I didn't know any better.  The doctor on call broke my water when I was only 4 cm (which I think is outrageous).  Typical cycle of interventions.

BUT, both our boys have a pretty impressive conehead, so atleast we KNOW we have pushing power!  LOL

Thank you everyone for the responses/pictures!