Your bump is growing nicely and baby is all snug and warm within the warmth of the womb, but did you know that how your baby is lying in utero can not only have a direct impact on the ease of delivery in childbirth, but also on babies structural development and overall health into childhood and beyond?!
I have had three successful pregnancies, all of which have been different in pregnancy, labour and birth. Baby number 1 was head down and engaged, placenta position at the top of the uterus. He had lots of room to get himself comfortable, and this position is seen as “the optimum” for vaginal delivery.
Baby number 2: Well he decided his optimal comfort position was transverse. This is where the baby lies across the uterus. Transverse presentation can also make a vaginal delivery difficult and risky and it may also require a caesarean section. A transverse position can also affect the alignment of the baby’s spine and pelvis, which can lead to problems with the baby’s physical development.
Baby 2 stayed this way til 36 weeks. I had tried everything to get him to turn. I read articles which told me to stand on my head in a swimming pool, be upside down as much as I could….both of which were not possible. I had a very large bump, and has anyone tried standing on their head? That is hard! Not to mention underwater !! I also tried reflexology, which, for me, worked. I remember sitting in a meeting and watching as the baby moved from sideways to head down! I was fascinated…..as were the people sitting next to me who thought something out of an Alien movie was going to occur!
Baby Number 3: She was a breech presentation throughout the pregnancy meaning that her feet or bottom are facing down, it can make a vaginal delivery more difficult and risky, and it is more likely to require a caesarean section. A breech position can also affect the alignment of the baby’s spine and pelvis, which can lead to problems with the baby’s physical development.
Again, with this baby I tried techniques to get her to turn, but she was rather comfortable as she was. She was delivered by elective C-Section and had to have hip checks due to her position in utero. She also had slight preference for her head position too as her head had been wedged under my rib cage!
It is important to note that intrauterine position can change during pregnancy, and it’s not unusual for a baby to be in a different position during different prenatal checkups.
It is important for expectant mothers to have regular prenatal checkups, including ultrasound, to monitor the position of the baby, and to work closely with their healthcare provider to plan for delivery. I recall having more scans with my third to monitor not only her position, but the position of the placenta too!
Needless to say all three of my children have received Osteopathic treatment over the years, to help straighten out any kinks – so to speak, and will continue to do so as they grow and develop. This is done by using non-invasive techniques to manipulate the bones and tissues of the skull and sacrum, with the goal of releasing any restrictions or tensions in these areas. All three of the children enjoy a good massage too – let’s face it – who doesn’t!
So if you would like to see how osteopathy can help you or your little people, please do not hesitate to give me a call, if you are not sure, but have some questions – hook me up with a no obligation chat or video call too!
Enjoy your day and take care
Em x