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The cephalic position is a term used to describe when the baby is with the head turned down, which is the position expected for him to be born without complications and for the delivery to proceed normally.
In addition to being upside down, the baby can also be turned with its back to the mother's back, or with the back to the mother's belly, which is the most common position.
Usually, the baby turns around without problems at around the 35th week, however, in some cases, he may not turn around and lie upside down or lying across, requiring a cesarean section or pelvic delivery. Find out how the pelvic delivery is and what the risks are.
How to tell if the baby has turned upside down
Some pregnant women may not detect any signs or symptoms, however, paying attention, there are some signs that the baby is in the head position, which can be easily noticed, such as:
- Movement of the baby's legs towards the rib cage;
- Movement of hands or arms at the bottom of the pelvis;
- Hiccups in the lower belly;
- Increased frequency of urination, due to increased bladder compression;
- Improvement of symptoms like heartburn and shortness of breath, because the compression in the stomach and lungs is less.
In addition, the pregnant woman can also hear the baby's heartbeat, near the lower belly, through a portable fetal doppler, which is also a sign that the baby is upside down. Find out what it is and how to use the portable fetal doppler.
Although the symptoms can help the mother to realize that the baby has turned upside down, the best way to confirm it is through an ultrasound and a physical examination, during a consultation with the obstetrician.
What if the baby doesn't turn upside down?
Although it is rare, in some cases, the baby may not turn upside down until the 35th week of pregnancy. Some of the causes that can increase the risk of this happening are the existence of previous pregnancies, changes in the morphology of the uterus, having insufficient or excess amniotic fluid or being pregnant with twins.
In view of this situation, the obstetrician may recommend the performance of exercises that stimulate the baby's turn, or perform a maneuver called the External Cephalic Version, in which the doctor places his hands on the pregnant woman's belly, slowly turning the baby into the correct position. If it is not possible to perform this maneuver, it is possible that the baby will be born safely, through a cesarean section or a pelvic birth.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNECOLOGISTS. If Your Baby Is Breech. Available in: . Accessed on 06 Aug 2020
- FERREIRA, José C.P. et. al .. The evolution of fetal presentation during pregnancy: a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. Vol.94. 660-663, 2015