Optimal Foetal Positioning

This is a term referring to the position which the baby lies in the uterus.

In most women the ideal position is for the baby to lie with its spine on the left with the back of the head at the front.  This is often described as the baby being anterior.  This position allows the baby to have the most space within the uterus but also aids the descent of the baby in a protected position so that it aligns well with the pelvic outlet promoting natural childbirth.

Poor positioning occurs in 1 in 4 first pregnancies (Baby Channel 2005) and can be a cause of long labours and difficult deliveries often requiring intervention with ventouse or forceps and in some instances an emergency caesarean.

During pregnancy a woman can use different postures and gentle exercise to help the baby achieve an optimum position.

At the Octagon Clinic we use gentle techniques to treat the pelvic girdle and muscles and ligaments that support the uterus to help remove any tension which may prevent the baby achieving a good position.  In relieving these tensions we are also able to reduce a number of mechanical problems which may occur to a pregnant woman thereby treating low back pain, sciatica, symphysis pubis dysfunction and pelvic girdle pain.