WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Engaging in the Birth Position

Engaging in the Birth Position
As you approach the 39th week of your pregnancy, a crucial preparation for the birth process takes place: your baby begins to move into the birth position.
This positioning is a vital part of the journey through the birth canal, indicating that your baby is getting ready for the arrival into the world.
Movement into the Birth Position
  • Head-Down Position: The most common birth position is the cephalic or head-down position, where the baby’s head is positioned down towards the birth canal. This position is the safest and most efficient for childbirth.
  • Engagement: Engagement refers to the baby’s head descending into the pelvis. This indicates that the baby is getting into the right position for birth. You might hear healthcare providers refer to this as the baby being "engaged" or "dropped."
Significance of Proper Positioning
  • Ease of Birth: A baby in the correct birth position is more likely to pass through the birth canal with fewer complications.
  • Reduced Risk of Complications: Proper positioning reduces the risk of complications such as prolonged labor or the need for a cesarean section.
Physical Changes for the Mother
  • Increased Pelvic Pressure: As the baby engages in the birth position, you may feel increased pressure in your pelvis. This can also lead to more frequent urination.
  • Change in Belly Shape: You may notice a change in the shape of your belly as the baby moves lower into your pelvis.
Monitoring and Preparing for Birth
  • Regular Check-Ups: During this period, regular prenatal check-ups are important to monitor the baby’s position and ensure they are ready for birth.
  • Birth Plan Review: It’s a good time to review your birth plan and discuss any last-minute concerns or questions with your healthcare provider.
Variations in Positioning
  • Breech or Other Positions: Some babies may settle into a breech position (feet or buttocks down) or other positions that are not ideal for vaginal birth. Your healthcare provider will discuss options with you, which may include attempting to turn the baby or planning a cesarean delivery.
The movement of your baby into the birth position during the 39th week of pregnancy is a significant sign that labor is approaching.
This positioning is crucial for a smoother delivery process and indicates that your body and your baby are making final preparations for birth.
All I Need To Know
B
Britney
2 Jan 2024

Is everyone giving birth the “traditional” way, lying on your back? I’ve been reading about other ways to give birth which makes it easier for baby to come out like the hands and knees position, lying on your side, or having your knees bent in and ankles out. I’m considering one of these positions. I’m 37 weeks with baby #4.

13 comments
Q
Queen Goddess
Unfortunately I only know of C-Sections 🥺. Wish I could've experience a natural birth at least once but I'm thankful that all my babies got delivered safely !!!
27 Mar 2024

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B
Britney
That’s the most important thing to be grateful for , a safe delivery ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
15 Sep 2023

I am at birth and delivery I am 2 centimeters dilated and the baby is head down position they are going to recheck me in 2 hours and if I am progressing they are keeping me and if I stay 2 cm dilated they are letting me go home hopefully I have baby girl tonight I'm excited♥️♥️

2 comments
K
Khaleesia’s mommy
Congratsss keep us updated
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
definitely will
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lia
5 Aug 2023

Went to get an ultrasound on my last 2 week visit. Baby is in the transverse position. Any ma'am baby was this position? I know it's common, but what did you do to get him/her heads down??

11 comments
R
Raven
Same, it when ur baby is facing head up I think my ob called it breech position through so maybe it a type of breech position. Drink some more water, usually babies like this will turn the right way (head down) at 36 or 37 weeks on their own.
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lia
yes he is curved like a C on the right side of my stomach. I will drink more water
27 Mar 2024

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Q
Queen Cici👑
6 Feb 2023

So they told me I can birth in any position I want. I was thinking about pushing out on my knees(all fours) because I heard women say it’s easier especially since it’s not going against gravity. What y’all think? Have any of y’all birthed in any other position other than on y’all back?

9 comments
N
Naomi
Don’t do it on your back, best position is on your knees, let the gravity help you
27 Mar 2024

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M
M
I did it on my knees with my 2nd and she came right out. Super fast.
27 Mar 2024

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n
noodle mom
20 Jun 2022

I always see articles saying we can give birth in different positions but when your in the hospitals they do not be going for it. They be wanting you on your back pushing😳 even though they say it’s not an ideal position because of gravity

3 comments
J
JasLee💎💎
I say this all the time. It’s harder on your back because it’s against gravity. I’m thinking they have patients on their backs because of safety; plus some women request epidural so the only position is their back. Personally, I would like to be on all 4’s but I doubt if they’ll allow it like you said.
27 Mar 2024

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n
naomi
I wrote in my birth plan that I want to push in whatever position my body is telling me to push in, hopefully they can accommodate
27 Mar 2024

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n
neeva
12 Jun 2022

So I’ve been thinking really hard about what birthing position i wanna give birth in. I just feel like I’m not gonna like laying down so I’m looking into other alternatives or other positions. I just want my baby to come out faster like I’m not tryna be giving birth for along time i just want gravity to help out ..

1 comments
m
michelle
The pushing your body naturally does, does not need any help🤣 lol and I'm laughing because that's what I thought when I gave birth the first time that I needed help pushing. I was laying down and the pushing just happens honestly I tried to do other positions but because of the pain with my first my legs didn't feel right I didn't want to worry about standing if that makes sense, I opted for sideways I got on my side grabbed my foot and pushed🤣 my sister was like oh my god what are you doing and I'm like we can do more than one position calm down
27 Mar 2024

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