Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Fetal Lie / Presentation

by Almuthawa
(Chennai)

I'm 38wks pregnant and my baby's fetal presentation is oblique. The fetal weight is 3.1 kg. Is it difficult to have a normal labour, and are there any exercises to bring it to a normal position?

Answer:

Hi Almuthawa,

It's completely possible for you to have a normal labor. Most babies in the oblique position will shift on their own before or during labor.

You can encourage good positioning in your baby. Sit straight and sleep on your left side. Don't slouch back into chairs or sleep on your back.

You can also do "cat stretches" - get on your hands and knees and drop your belly down, so your back curves, then arch it up like a cat. Similar to this are "pelvic rocks" - again get on your hands and knees. Then just rock your pelvis up and down.

Both of these exercises help encourage babies into good positions. Also, getting out and walking gently every day and swimming are good things to help your baby get the best position.

Try to avoid doing very deep squats until your baby has moved from the oblique position to the longitudinal position, but once baby has moved, deep squats will help anchor the head down in your pelvis.

At 3.1kg your baby is a good size and will probably be able to shift a bit before childbirth. Best of luck to you as you approach your birthing day!