Baby Positions In Womb: Detailed Insight Into The Best Birthing Positions

The fetus develops several baby positions in womb during pregnancy. However, a baby reaches the head-down position near the due date.

Jan 01, 1970

Baby positions in womb keep on changing during pregnancy as they thump, swirl, kick, twist, etc., against the womb. Most babies get to head-down position or the anterior position during the last trimester. It makes the birthing process easier. Your unborn baby may get into many positions, but this one is ideal. There is more explained in this article. Let’s discuss that.

What are Various Baby Positions in Womb?

1. Anterior Position

This is the best birthing position where the baby’s head is towards the birth canal, its chin is tucked inside the chest, and the face is facing towards your back. In this childbirth position, mothers may feel the kick under their ribs, and the belly button sticks out. Most babies will enter this position between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy. This head-down position is also known as the cephalic, vertex, and occiput anterior. 

2. Posterior Position

This baby position is also known as head down and face up position or cephalic occiput posterior position. The baby’s head may not get under the pubic bone, which makes the labor a bit longer. If this situation occurs, the baby’s head can be turned manually by reaching through the vagina. Some healthcare providers use a vacuum device or forceps to help the mothers with labor. Caesarian comes as the last resort. You must contact the gynecology specialist in Ahmedabad to understand the fetus’s position. 

3. Breech Position

It is not the ideal baby position for birth as the baby’s buttocks or feet are placed first. The breech babies are at a higher risk of congenital disabilities, and only a few are born healthy. It can also cause birth trauma to newborns. A few variants of the breech position are:

  • Frank Breech: The baby’s feet are placed near their face straight up on their chest.
  • Complete Breech: The buttocks of the unborn baby are pointing towards the birth canal. The feet are placed near the buttocks, with the legs folded at the knees.
  • Footling Breech: Either of the baby’s foot positions is placed right towards the birth canal.

4. Transverse Lie Position

It is also not a natural birthing position, as the baby inside the womb is lying horizontally. Most babies move out of this position before birth. However, if the fetus is still in the horizontal position, a caesarian delivery is recommended. A risk of medical emergency known as ‘umbilical cord prolapsing’ may occur when the umbilical cord enters the birth canal before the baby. Experts recommend a caesarian delivery in this case. 

How to Get Baby in the Right Position

The optimal fetal positioning is necessary to achieve before the mother gets into labor. But how can you tell whether the baby is in the right position? At 36 weeks, your gynae will check the position of the fetus. 

If the baby is in the anterior position, you will feel the kicks near the ribs, and the belly button will pop out. The bump will feel squishy if the baby is in the posterior position. If the doctors are unsure, they will proceed with the ultrasound scan. You must book an appointment with a specialty hospital in Ahmedabad to get your prenatal care and check-ups done.

The major question asked to the gynecologist is how to get the baby in the right position for birth if the right childbirth position is not achieved. Well, mothers can do certain things to fix this issue:

  • You can put your hands and knees on the floor and be in this position as long as possible.
  • Lie sideways on your lounge chair rather than slumped back into the chair.
  • Practice squats under the guidance of the gynae or the certified personal trainer. Other exercises, such as prenatal yoga, walking, etc., can reduce the discomforts of pregnancy. 
  • Keep moving in and around the house doing small chores. It will keep you active until your labor.
  • You can sit on a Swiss ball for added comfort, sit upright on the chair with your torso slightly tilted forward, and sleep sideways from the 3rd trimester.
  • Avoid crossing your legs, deep squats, leaning on a sofa or bean bag, and sitting with raised feet.
  • Get rest, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious food.

What is the Best Baby Position for Delivery?

There are various natural birth positions that a fetus may get into before the last trimester. The baby will kick, squish, jab, etc., against the mother’s stomach. It will help them position themselves properly inside the womb. 

However, the best fetal position for delivery is the head-down position of the baby. The baby is near the birth canal, facing the mother’s back, with the chin tucked into the chest. It shows that the head is ready to enter the pelvis region. 

The baby will flip over the head towards your uterus. This position helps the mother during labor, and with continuous contractions, the cervix opening stretches the space to let the baby pass through it. The breech positions pose a higher threat to the unborn and the mother. 

The anterior position is also best because your baby’s back is quite heavy. When it flips and moves naturally towards your abdomen, it will help you a lot when you slip into labor.

Contact Reputed Maternity Hospital for Smooth Childbirth!

Mothers must not get stressed about their baby’s birthing position. Baby positions in womb keep on changing until 36 weeks. Many babies get into the right birthing position just before the mother gets into labor. 

You must get the best prenatal care and appropriate diet when pregnant. At Jigisha Specialty Hospital, you must talk to an expert gynecologist who will provide proper knowledge on the birth positions. It will help you to ease your discomfort and have a great childbirth. We have a dedicated hospital staff, modern equipment, dieticians, and other trainers to help expectant mothers during their pregnancy. 

Book your appointment today and receive the best healthcare in the region!