What is the ideal position for baby? 

The best position for baby to be delivered is what’s called ‘Occiput Anterior’. This is with baby’s head is down and it’s back facing Mum’s belly button. It is often referred to as the optimal foetal position.

If baby is not OFP then it can increase the chances of requiring medical interventions during labour and birth. The non-optimal positions are Breech (Bum Down), Transverse (lying across), Posterior (back-to-back with mum). These positions during pregnancy may also cause unnecessary discomfort for Mum.

 

What should I try to avoid?

• When seated at your desk try not to cross your legs.
• Do not sit back and slouch in a chair.
• Avoid relaxing on your couch with your feet up in front of you and your butt tucked under.
• Don’t sleep on your back
• Avoid long car journeys (90 minutes+)
• Avoid Squat exercises when baby is not in optimal and any other exercise that helps to descend baby deeper into mum’s pelvis.

All the above can encourage posterior, transverse and breech presentations and this is mostly due to the position of the pelvis. How you sit and relax in the evening can also affect how baby presents especially from 30 + weeks. Aim to always have your ‘Hips open’ instead of in the tucked under position.  You can relax on the couch at night by sitting in the position shown below with ‘open’ crossed legs and with a small cushion supporting your lumber spine to encourage anterior pelvis position. What I used to do when sitting on the floor would be to lean over an exercise ball or bean bag. I would do this all the time from 32/34 weeks.

 

What can I do to help?

There are many things that you can do during your pregnancy to assist baby presenting optimally. You can address exercise, posture, how you sit, sleep and relax to help achieve this optimal position.

• Always have your knees lower than your hips
• Keep your body weight forward when seated. Tip: When you are sitting, turn a chair the wrong way round and lean forward from your hips. You can try this at your desk, in meetings or out at a cafe with friends.
• Watching the T.V at night? Lean over an exercise ball or onto a bean bag
• Sleep on your side and make sure you have a pillow supporting the knee keeping your pelvis open
• Keep your hips relaxed whilst standing.
• Keep your pelvis open.
• Avoid seated machines at the gym.
• Once baby is in optimal then you can Squat to keep baby in OFP

Take a look at this link for more information which also has some good visuals to show how you can be in the ideal position to help baby. BHNFT-219.pdf (barnsleyhospital.nhs.uk)

 

How do Daisy Birthing classes help?

The pregnancy friendly yoga movements all help to encourage baby into this ideal position whilst helping to alleviate any discomfort Mum may be feeling at that stage of her pregnancy.

• Help to create more space in the upper body helping baby to move.
• Relax the pelvic area and keep muscles supple ensuring baby can tuck their chin creating this ideal position.
• Let gravity assist the baby into the ideal position.

However, babies can be quite stubborn and everything you do does not move that baby. Nothing in life is a guarantee and giving birth is different for every woman. I can be there to help you through it all and offer guidance and advice to help you have the most relaxed birth possible for your baby.

If you would like more information about how Daisy classes could help your pregnancy and labour, please do not hesitate to get in touch, I will be happy to help.

emma-lowe@thedaisyfoundation.com

Book onto Daisy Birthing classes now by clicking this link Daisy Birthing Active Antenatal Classes – Emma Lowe (thedaisyfoundation.com)