The significance of head down position

At around 32 weeks of pregnancy, the head of the baby moves towards the birth canal. Till this point of time it was indeed easy for the baby to rotate from head up to head down position. This is termed as cephalic presentation because there was ample space in the uterus. Head down baby position might also occur after a certain point of time as well which could be even a few minutes before the labor pain starts.

Why do babies need to turn their head down before delivery?

The labor pain is going to be pretty much easy and smooth, if the baby is able to turn their head down. There is different head down position baby and let us analyse them in details

Vertex presentation

This is a common configuration in all singletons. The back of the baby usually faces the tummy and their face towards the spine. This is regarded as an ideal position for birth, as the baby is lined up in such a manner so it can fit through the pelvis as easy as possible. In certain cases, the head of the baby is turned towards the side. Though no problem is associated with the same.

Face presentation

If your find that the head is extended, then the face emerges to be the leading part. This accounts for a marginal case of deliveries and is more in the case of premature babies.

How to make it a point that the baby is head down position?

If the baby does not achieve cephalic position by week 36, there are some steps that can be taken so that they change their position. You can seek the services of your health care provider before you start

• Get into a helpful sitting position as the pelvis should move forward when you sit. Ensure that your knees are never above the hips. This is regarded as an optimal fetal position as it helps your baby to obtain a head down position in an easy manner
• Try to get into a comfortable position and scrub the floor. When one is on all fours, it becomes pretty easy for the baby to change their head position which is going to come right in front of your belly
• Do not sit for extended hours in a single place and try to be active as far as possible. Walking is the best form of exercise for the baby to change position and be vertex. When a walking movement is encountered in the region of pelvis the baby is able to turn because of the upright movement of the mother
• When you are sitting in a car use a cushion so that the knees come under the hips
• No need to press the panic button if the baby does not get into a proper position when you are sleeping. Try as far as possible to sleep on your left side.
• Leaning over an inflated ball would be beneficial when you are on your computer or watching TV.