How does a baby lie in the womb?

Due to the amount of space and amniotic fluid, the position of the fetus is variable in the first six months. The placement of the fetus stabilizes only in the 3rd trimester. By week 36, most babies will roll into the head-down position, which is ideal for birth. Only approximately 4% of children are in a different position at the time of birth. Some can be a problem during vaginal birth, some are satisfactory.

The head-down position, in which the longitudinal axis of the fetus is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the uterus, is the most common. There are two types, the front position and the rear position. Both positions are very similar and the head is turned downwards, usually with the chin bent to the chest or slightly tilted. In the head-first position, the baby's face is turned towards the mother's back and the head rests against the birth canal. In the case of the back position, the baby's head is turned towards the mother's belly. Such a position is less common and can slightly complicate vaginal delivery. Rarely, the child points to the birth canal with another part of the head (forehead or face). Then the birth must often end with a caesarean section.

The baby can also be in a position with the end of the pelvis down, while it can face the birth canal with its legs or bottom (legs point up or are crossed in front of the body). The baby's head is turned upwards, it is located next to the mother's rib. If, in this position, the baby's bottom is not directly at the cervix, but the baby's legs, there is a risk of umbilical cord birth, which can be dangerous for the baby. About 3% of babies take this position before birth. The doctor can try to change such a position shortly before birth (by pressing hands through the abdominal wall, ECV), the success rate is around 50%. Among other things, this is influenced by the weight of the baby and the amount of amniotic fluid. If this fails, a caesarean section is necessary.

Unfavorable positions include transverse and oblique position of the baby. In the transverse position, the baby's head can be directed to the left side of the mother or the head can be turned to the right side of the mother. The axis of the fetus is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the uterus. If the fetus is in the transverse position even before labor contractions, a caesarean section is necessary, especially for first-time mothers. Unless it is the first pregnancy, there is a chance that the baby will turn in the right direction. However, even in this case, the probability of vaginal delivery is relatively low. In an oblique position, the axis of the fetus forms a sharp angle with the longitudinal axis of the uterus, and the head or bottom is turned away from the pelvic entrance.

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