Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

What Could Happen if Your Baby is Oblique?

My friend is in labor and delivery right now, she was just in there Saturday night and was only 2 centimeters dilated and 60% effaced.

As of today she is 3 centimeters dilated and 75% effaced and her baby is oblique. The doctors aren't really doing anything for her and they tried to send her home but then said she could stay if she wanted and walk around the hospital.

What could happen if the baby never turns? Shouldn't they be doing more for her and the baby?

I know when I was pregnant both times with my boys I went to the hospital and i was only 3 centimeters and not even 75% effaced and they kept me each time and kept a really close eye on me and the baby.

Answer:

I'm hoping your friend has had her baby by now. To answer your question:

Oftentimes babies will change positions throughout the course of labor, so even if the baby is in a bad position early in labor, baby may move to a better position as labor progresses.

Walking and working with the baby are helpful in encouraging the baby to move.

If the baby continues to stay in a awkward position most doctors will order a c-section. Many midwives will try further techniques to help the baby move, though sometimes a midwife doesn't know the right technique or can't get the baby to move, either.

Some doctors and hospitals take a more "hands off" approach with labor and birth, and want to let mothers in early labor be up and more active. This tends to be good for the baby, and births tend to go more smoothly if the mother labors more at home than at the hospital.

Like I mentioned above, doctors and nurses may not know much about turning a baby. That's not really what they're taught in medical school. They don't learn much about alternative birthing positions, or positions and techniques to help babies turn.

I hope your friend's birth went well!