Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Baby's position in the womb

by Rachna
(India)

My sister-in-law is 8 months pregnant, and is short in height. She has a lot of pain in her vaginal area. The doctor has said that the baby's full pressure is on the kidney that is why it pains a lot. Even the baby's leg is on the kidney. She is not even able to walk properly. Also her weight in last few days has reduced by 1 kg. Is it normal?

Answer:

Hi Rachna,

It is possible and some doctors would say common for a woman's weight to drop slightly at the very end of pregnancy as she prepares to go into labor.

Discomfort and even pain from the baby's positioning is also not unusual when a woman is at the end of pregnancy.

If your sister-in-law is having a lot of pain from the baby's position, this could be discouraging her from wanting to eat. That could also explain the weight drop.

It's a good idea for her to encourage the baby to shift positions slightly so there is more comfort for her and she can enjoy the last days of her pregnancy as much as possible. Also encourage her to keep eating well so the baby will prepare for labor and so she'll have plenty of strength and energy.

Yoga, swimming, and paying careful attention to posture all help encourage babies to take a good position. You can read more about these things on my page on turning breech babies.