Is my baby's position normal?

As an expectant mother, there are many things you’ll be thinking about in the months leading up to your birth, and one important factor that plays a role in your birth experience is your baby’s position. Understanding your baby’s lie in the uterus can help you make informed choices about your birth plan and can impact the method of birth you choose or the medical interventions that might be necessary. From around 25 weeks pregnant you will notice that the midwife will start palpating your abdomen to locate the position of baby but also to help determine where baby's heartbeat is so they can listen to this during your appointments. 

In this post, we'll walk you through the different positions your baby might be in before birth—vaginal, breech, and transverse—and explain how these positions can affect your birth experience.

What Is Your Baby’s Lie?

Your baby’s “lie” refers to the position of your baby inside your uterus in relation to your body. The way your baby is lying in your womb affects how they’ll move through the birth canal during labour and delivery. Most babies will rotate into a head-down position (most midwives and doctors will call this cephalic) as the pregnancy progresses, but it’s important to know that there are a variety of potential positions. Let’s dive into the most common ones:

1. Cephalic (Head-Down) Position

The optimal position for birth is when your baby is lying with their head pointing downwards and their back against your abdomen. This is known as the occiput anterior position, and it’s the most common and favourable position for vaginal birth. When your baby is in this position, the delivery is typically smoother, and there is a lower risk of complications.

Another position to note when baby is head down is called occiput posterior position. This may also be called the "back to back" position where baby's head is down towards the birth canal (pelvis) but baby's back is laying on the mother back. This can sometimes cause labour to be slightly longer due to baby's position through the birth canal, and some mothers have reported that they do experience more back ache in labour due to this position. However, there is currently no research to support this - back ache can be common in labour if baby is in any position. 

In a vaginal birth, the baby’s head sits on top of the cervix, helping to dilate the cervix with pressure from baby's head (sometimes can lay on nerve endings causing that vaginal shooting pain you may experience) as the baby moves through the birth canal. It is much easier for the baby to navigate the pelvis in this position, and as a result, you’re more likely to experience a quicker and less complicated birth.

2. Breech Position

The breech position refers to when your baby’s bottom or feet are positioned to come out first, rather than the head. This occurs in about 3-4% of full-term pregnancies, and it’s one of the most concerning positions when it comes to labour.

There are three types of breech positions:

• Frank breech: Baby’s bottom is down, legs are bent up toward the chest, and feet near the head.
• Complete breech: Baby’s bottom is down, and legs are crossed in a sitting position.
• Footling breech: One or both feet are pointing down, and they may be the first to come out.

Breech births can be more complicated and carry higher risks, such as cord prolapse, where the umbilical cord slips out before the baby, or head entrapment, where the baby’s head becomes stuck after the body has been delivered. Because of these risks, breech babies are often delivered via Caesarean section (C-section). However, some breech babies can be born vaginally, especially if they are in a frank breech position and if the healthcare provider is experienced in breech deliveries.However, it is important that if you do have a breech baby, it is worth having a discussion with your midwife and obstetrician about the method of delivery if you do not want a caesaren section and there is minimal risk to yourself and baby then advocate to have a vaginal breech and they are there to support you in this decision. 

In some cases, if your baby is breech closer to your due date, your midwife or obstetrician may suggest trying techniques like external cephalic version (ECV) to try and turn the baby into a head-down position.

3. Transverse Lie

A transverse lie is when the baby is lying sideways in the uterus, with their head on one side and their feet on the other. This position is uncommon but can occur, particularly if you have a lot of amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) or if you’re carrying twins/triplets.

If the baby is in a transverse lie, it is not safe to have a vaginal birth, as it’s impossible for the baby to pass through the birth canal sideways. If your baby is in a transverse lie, a C-section will almost certainly be required, as attempting a vaginal birth with this position is highly risky for both mother and baby. 

What Happens if Your Baby is in an Breech/Transverse Position?

If your baby is in a breech or transverse position, don’t panic—there are things you can do, and many women have successfully delivered their babies in these positions with the right support and guidance. Here’s what to consider:

• Talk to your midwife or obstetrician: They will monitor your baby’s position as your pregnancy progresses and can suggest safe methods to encourage the baby to turn.
• External cephalic version (ECV): This is a procedure where a healthcare provider uses their hands on your abdomen to try and turn the baby head-down. While it’s generally safe, it’s not always successful, and it can be uncomfortable, so make sure to discuss the risks and benefits.
• Positional exercises: Some women find that certain exercises or techniques—like the Webster technique from a chiropractor or using a birthing ball—can encourage their babies to turn into the right position.
• Forward leaning inversion position can be really helpful when trying to rotate a breech baby to head down. 

Why Your Baby’s Position Matters

Ultimately, your baby’s position will influence your birthing options and the type of support you may need. A vaginal birth is always preferable if possible, but breech and transverse positions can sometimes make this more difficult. Understanding your baby’s position in advance allows you to have open conversations with your healthcare team and gives you time to explore your options.

It’s also worth noting that while certain positions are more likely to lead to a C-section, many women still have successful vaginal births with breech or transverse babies with the right care.

Be mindful that positions only really matter when you are arriving closer to your due date, some babies will be in breech positions at 30/32 weeks and rotate into the right position before your body starts getting ready for labour. 

Get More Support with Bloom Club

If you're feeling uncertain about your baby’s position or want to learn more about how you can support your pregnancy and birth journey, Bloom Club offers a wealth of educational resources that can help.

For just £9.99 a month, you’ll gain access to exclusive videos, informative content, and expert advice from experienced midwives to guide you through every stage of your pregnancy and beyond. Whether you’re curious about baby positioning or preparing for a calm, empowered birth, Bloom Club has you covered.

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With warm wishes,
 Sam & Sorcha