Your baby’s fetal position at the end of your pregnancy can give you some insight as to what their delivery might be like. For example, if your baby has his head down, this means he will probably have an easier time pushing out through the vaginal canal in labor and birth. However, if your baby has his head up or back, it may mean that the delivery will be more complicated due to his position in your uterus or the birthing canal. Here’s a breakdown of fetal position and what it can tell you about your baby’s birth.
The Right or Left Side?
The position of your baby can give you some clues about what you can expect for their birth. Here are the most common fetal positions and what they might mean for delivery:
- The back or posterior position is where your baby is facing towards your spine. Babies in this position usually have a wide pelvis, making it easier to deliver them vaginally.
The Top Down Versus Bottom Up
Another way to think about the top-down versus bottom-up position is by imagining the baby as a raisin in a bowl of oatmeal. The top-down baby is like the raisin that sinks to the bottom of the bowl, while the bottom-up baby stays at or near the top of the bowl.
Does the fetal position change over time?
The fetal position can change, but typically a baby will only turn into one position for the duration of their pregnancy. The most common fetal positions are head down (most common), breech (bottom first) and sideways.
We recommend that all pregnant women keep an eye on their baby’s position at least once a month during their third trimester as it is possible that they could move to another position in the final weeks before birth.
Understanding what your baby’s fetal position can tell you about their birth.
Did you know that the way your baby is positioned in the womb can tell you a lot about what kind of birth they will have? Knowing what position your baby is in and what it means for their birth will help you prepare.