The position of the fetus in the uterus is called fetal position. The fetus is immersed in amniotic fluid in the womb. Because the head is heavier than the body, a normal fetus in a pregnant woman\’s abdomen has its head lowered and hips lowered, lordosis, and its limbs flexed and crossed in front of the chest and abdomen. Medically called the anterior occiput. position (that is, the fetal position is normal and the delivery is relatively smooth). Abnormal fetal position refers to abnormal fetal positions such as non-occipitoanterior position of the fetus in the mother\’s uterus after 30 weeks of pregnancy, including the breech position and transverse position that mothers are familiar with.
Why does fetal malposition occur?
1. Pregnant women have too much or too little amniotic fluid
Polyhydramnios will cause excessive fetal movement, and excessive fetal movement will cause the fetal position to become loose. Oligohydramnios can cause the fetus to move too small, unable to move normally, resulting in abnormal fetal position.
2. Multiple births
Multiple births can cause the fetuses to move too small, be too crowded, and unable to move normally, leading to abnormal fetal positioning.
3. The mother has a narrow pelvis, a large fetus, and placenta previa.
A narrow pelvis, a large fetus, and placenta previa will hinder the connection of the fetal head, causing the fetus to be squeezed and causing malposition.
4. Maternal abdominal wall laxity
A loose abdominal wall will cause the abdominal muscles to lose support for the uterus and relax, resulting in malposition of the fetus.
5. Fetal malformations and uterine malformations
Fetal and uterine malformations will affect the space of the uterine cavity, causing changes in the range of movement of the fetus in the uterine cavity, resulting in abnormal fetal position.
6. The umbilical cord is too short
If the umbilical cord is too short, the fetus cannot get enough nutrition, which will affect the development of the fetus. If the fetus grows too slowly, the space for movement will become larger, resulting in abnormal fetal position.
7. Uterine diseases
Tumors or other diseases in the uterus can affect the position of the fetus in the uterine cavity, causing fetal malposition.
The anterior position is the best fetal position
The baby is immersed in amniotic fluid in the abdomen. Due to the development characteristics of the fetus, the head is relatively large, so it is usually in a head-down position. The most common thing is that the baby\’s head is naturally erect, and the curled up body is numb and facing each other. This is often called the front of the pillow. This fetal position is most conducive to natural childbirth.
However, if the baby appears in posterior, breech, transverse, oblique, etc. position, it indicates that the fetal position is incorrect and may cause difficulty in delivery. correct.
The best time to correct fetal position
Abnormal fetal position is closely related to the gestational age. Generally, if the fetal position is abnormal before 30 weeks, only more observation is needed. During this period, the baby\’s personality is still small, the space for movement is large, and the fetal position is not fixed. After 32 weeks, the fetal position is basically fixed. Therefore, the best time for expectant mothers to correct the fetal position is between 30 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
How to correct fetal position
method one:
Chest and knee position method. This method is used to practice with expectant mothers who are 30-32 weeks pregnant. To be on the safe side, you can seek medical advice first.
1. The expectant mother empties her urine, unties her belt, and kneels on the bed.
2. Lie on the bed with your arms bent and your legs shoulder-width apart. Keep your chest and shoulders as close to the bed as possible.
3. Bend your knees, keep your thighs perpendicular to the ground, and raise your hips as high as possible. Generally, this posture is maintained for 2 minutes. After adaptation, the time can be extended to 5-10 minutes, about 3 times a day.
Method Two:
Bridge lying method.
This method is also suitable for breech mothers from 30 to 32 weeks.
1. The expectant mother lies on her back on the bed, with her head resting on her arms.
2. Raise your waist and place a cushion or pillow under it to raise your buttocks 30-50 cm. Do this once a day for 10-15 minutes each time.