Comments on: Explanation of Fetal Positions; What Poses Are Beneficial and What Poses Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy http://prenatalyogacenter.com/blog/explanation-of-fetal-positions-what-poses-are-beneficial-and-what-poses-should-be-avoided-during-pregnancy/ Deb's blog about the Prenatal Yoga Center, life as a Doula, and her own journey to motherhood Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:33:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Deb http://prenatalyogacenter.com/blog/explanation-of-fetal-positions-what-poses-are-beneficial-and-what-poses-should-be-avoided-during-pregnancy/#comment-110 Deb Sat, 03 May 2008 20:29:50 +0000 http://prenatalyogacenter.com/blog/explanation-of-fetal-positions-what-poses-are-beneficial-and-what-poses-should-be-avoided-during-pregnancy/#comment-110 Hi Lauren I am a little surprised to hear that your doctor can not determine a posterior baby until 4-5cm. A typical back labor will present itself as intense back aches, strong frequent contractions, signs of labor progressing further then it actually is, and the urge to urinate during the contraction. When I have encountered this with clients, we go in expecting to hear that the mom is pretty far along since her contractions are close together and strong and get informed that she may only be 1-2cm. That is a tell tale sign that the baby is most likely in a posterior position. Another way to figure out where your baby is in your body is "belly mapping." (check out spinningbabies,com for further details). This method helps you figure out your baby's position by paying attention to where you are feeling the kicks and the bulges and firm spots. You can also look at your belly and if there is a depression under the belly buttom, that could possibly indicate that the baby's spine is towards your back and it's head and feet are facing outward. Another way for your care provider to identify your baby's position is to palpate your belly. Last summer when I attended a week long program at The Farm Midwifery Center, the midwives taught us a technique called the "Leopold's maneuver". This is a technique of feeling the belly and identifying the hard bulge (head), less firm bulge (butt) and the firm, convex, smooth. resistant mass (the baby's back). One final way a care provider can asses how the baby is positioned is by using an ultra sound. This is something in the last several years I have seen used upon arrival in triage. I am guessing they want to make sure the baby is not in a breech position. Babies do however move and rotate during labor. So do not feel totally discouraged should your baby be "sunny side up". Hopefully this clarifies determining baby position a bit more. Good luck! Hi Lauren

I am a little surprised to hear that your doctor can not determine a posterior baby until 4-5cm. A typical back labor will present itself as intense back aches, strong frequent contractions, signs of labor progressing further then it actually is, and the urge to urinate during the contraction. When I have encountered this with clients, we go in expecting to hear that the mom is pretty far along since her contractions are close together and strong and get informed that she may only be 1-2cm. That is a tell tale sign that the baby is most likely in a posterior position.

Another way to figure out where your baby is in your body is “belly mapping.” (check out spinningbabies,com for further details). This method helps you figure out your baby’s position by paying attention to where you are feeling the kicks and the bulges and firm spots. You can also look at your belly and if there is a depression under the belly buttom, that could possibly indicate that the baby’s spine is towards your back and it’s head and feet are facing outward.

Another way for your care provider to identify your baby’s position is to palpate your belly. Last summer when I attended a week long program at The Farm Midwifery Center, the midwives taught us a technique called the “Leopold’s maneuver”. This is a technique of feeling the belly and identifying the hard bulge (head), less firm bulge (butt) and the firm, convex, smooth. resistant mass (the baby’s back).

One final way a care provider can asses how the baby is positioned is by using an ultra sound. This is something in the last several years I have seen used upon arrival in triage. I am guessing they want to make sure the baby is not in a breech position.

Babies do however move and rotate during labor. So do not feel totally discouraged should your baby be “sunny side up”.

Hopefully this clarifies determining baby position a bit more.

Good luck!

]]> By: Lauren http://prenatalyogacenter.com/blog/explanation-of-fetal-positions-what-poses-are-beneficial-and-what-poses-should-be-avoided-during-pregnancy/#comment-105 Lauren Thu, 01 May 2008 02:33:46 +0000 http://prenatalyogacenter.com/blog/explanation-of-fetal-positions-what-poses-are-beneficial-and-what-poses-should-be-avoided-during-pregnancy/#comment-105 Hi, I am wondering if/when/how a baby is determined to be in a posterior position. I was told by my OB that OP is discovered once you are dilated to 4-5 cms, not before, and thus this provides little time to try and move the baby into a better position. Is this true? I seem to recall that women at the yoga studio knew they were posterior. How did they know? Did they have a late ultrasound I didn't have? I am curious and thank you. Hi,

I am wondering if/when/how a baby is determined to be in a posterior position. I was told by my OB that OP is discovered once you are dilated to 4-5 cms, not before, and thus this provides little time to try and move the baby into a better position. Is this true? I seem to recall that women at the yoga studio knew they were posterior. How did they know? Did they have a late ultrasound I didn’t have?

I am curious and thank you.

]]>