[henhao]

I just started week 30 and am concerend about the baby's position. The mw didn't check the position last time, and I was so focussed on getting my blood taken on time for the GTT that our appt was cut rather short and I forgot to ask her to check.

I feel kicks and such in the front of my belly; that leads me to think that the baby is in an occiput posterior position (with her face facing towards my belly button)...I have no *clue* where the head itself might be.

What do you think I should do? I could assume she is in the wrong position and start doing movements to get her moved. Is that wise?

What do you suggest?

My next appt is at 33 weeks, 3 days.

Thanks!
hh

 

[onlyboys]

You have lots of time for your baby to turn. Unless you are uncomfortable with him or her laying on your spine (lots of backache, etc.) then I'd just wait.

Avoid slouching, sit up straight, and if you can swim, do so. The breaststroke kick is really good for OP babes.

Good luck to you...

 

[ColwynsMommy]

I wouldn't worry about it yet. From what I've read, at 30 weeks the head is still pretty soft and it's not easy for a doctor or midwife to tell the baby's position just from feeling.

Did they check the baby's heartbeat with a doppler? I also read that wherever the heartbeat can be found the strongest is about where the head is. Normally my doctor finds the heartbeat quite low, but last week she could only find it up high.. which means the baby's head is probably up. I'm 31 1/2 weeks, so I know there's plenty of time for him to flip over.

 

[henhao]

OH! (slapping hand on forehead) Of course, she checked the hb! It was low to the left and then moved to the right -- I don't think the baby liked the doppler very much -- so I guess the head is low.

Thank you for pointing that out.

hh

 

[Shanana]

spinningbabies.com has lots of info on figuring out the baby's position, although I found it to be a little overwhelming (probably due to my state of mind -- ADDLED!). But one thing I took from it is if you feel "gentler" movement down below, and "stronger" movement above, then the babe is probably head down. I'm pretty sure my bean is head down, but posterior. I feel all sorts of wiggly "arm-like" movements in the front down low, and stronger "kick-like" movements in the front up high. At least she's head down!

The website also gives tips and techniques for getting the babe in a more optimal position.

Shana
EDD 7/29/05

 

[lovnbnhome]

A baby can turn up to the day before birth. But there are exercises that you can do to help the baby turn if you are really concerned! There are chiroporactors who will do a maneuver to help turn the baby (from the outside), you could lay on your back with several pillows under your behind to lift you up and place a flashlight (on) on your pubic bone for several minutes/several times a day, the midwife might know how to turn a baby in the office... good luck!

 

[AugustLia23]

I too wouldn't worry about the baby's position, but from what it sounds like where your MW/DR checked the heartbeat, your baby is head down. Babies can easily spin around up until 36 weeks.

As far as posterior or anterior, I wouldn't worry too much about that other than sitting up and not spending too much time in the "reclining" position. Babies can and do spin around right up until their birth dates.

At your next appt, ask them to feel where the baby is, they will likely be able to tell you.

 

[Spark]

I agree with all the previous posters about not worrying about the position of your baby. AND, like others I, too, would suggest leaning forward or sitting upright when you relax. no reclining from here on out.

And, just to agree with everyone, www.spinningbabies.com REALLY is a great site!

 

[Storm Bride]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovnbnhome A baby can turn up to the day before birth.

...or even later. My son turned from a head-down to a frank breech presentation during labour. If a baby can change presentation that drastically, I'm sure they can also "spin" into a new position.

 

[Kirsten]

My third baby was born posterior. I spent too much time in that damn recliner! No one told me what I was doing!! Avoid recliners like the plague! Do the cat/dog yoga thing - on your hands and knees, alternating arching your back up and letting it sag low. I did this every night with dd1 and dd2 and had no issues. Then we bought a recliner before dd3 and I sat in it a lot, and got lazy about doing my yoga exercise. Not good. Sit upright is my advice!

 

[henhao]

Thank you!

I am walking more often, sitting up straight and doing the cat-cow exercise. That's all I can do, I guess. Oh, when I watch movies, I lie on my left side.

As usual, you all are super helpful.