Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Sideways Down

by Jennifer
(New South Wales)

I am 39 weeks and my baby is lying face-down nearly engaged but his head is turned sideways along with his body. Is it OK to give birth if he lying like this?

Answer:

Hi Jennifer,

It sounds like your baby's head is down, but his face and body are to your side. It's normal for babies to be angled slightly to the side, and sometimes they're even all the way to the side like you described your baby.

Babies have a tendency to turn a little bit here and there throughout the last weeks of pregnancy - even right up until and during labour.

You can do things to help encourage your baby to turn the right way, such as yoga, swimming, and avoiding reclining back in chairs.

It's very likely that your baby will turn slightly before or during labour - and during birth your baby will twist and turn his body to help himself be born!

Best of luck on the birth of your little one!