#Fetal position how to#

This position increases the risk of an umbilical cord prolapse. Around 65-70% of breech presentations are frank. Frank breech – Baby’s hips are flexed with their feet up by their ears.The safety of a breech birth often depends on the type of breech. The shortest answer, yes, a breech baby can be born vaginally. Many may wonder if a c-section is the only option. That said, while LOA is ideal, there are many other positions baby can still safely navigate the birth canal.Īs a doula, you are likely to have clients concerned about breech presentation. They are less likely to change positions to a more difficult one once in LOA. In this position, baby is angled to easily navigate the birth canal. In this position, baby is head down, with their back on the birther’s left side, with face towards birther’s back between the right hip and the spine of the birther. The optimal fetal position is Left Occiput Anterior (LOA). However, some positions make the process easier for both baby and birther. There are many ways a baby can safely make its way through the birth canal. Is There an Ideal Fetal Position For Birth? There are also different breech positions. These include left or right anterior and posterior, asynclitic, face presentation, compound presentation (along with any of the other positions), and left or right transverse. Transverse – Baby is laying horizontally across the uterus.Oblique – Baby is laying diagonally in uterus, a rare position.Breech – Baby is feet or buttocks first.Occiput posterior (OP) – Baby’s head down with face forward, back of head is facing spine.Occiput anterior (OA) – Baby’s head down with face towards pregnant person’s spine.However, there are more positions than simply head up or head down. Nearly everyone knows that head down and feet up is the ideal positioning for a baby.

#Fetal position how to#

Understanding the terms and how to support optimal positioning is an important way you can help your clients prepare for birth. There are several in between positions from breech to optimal fetal positioning. However, as a doula, you can help your client understand baby’s positioning should their provider express any concerns.

In fact, many pregnant people give little thought to baby’s position unless baby is breech.

Generally, babies get into the proper position for birth without any assistance.