Babies are normally expected to be in a head down position right before birth but unfortunately that is not always the case. It is a known fact that babies change positions and keep flipping through out the pregnancy but they can do that even during labor. Babies keep changing their positions till labor. Checkup and ultrasounds before your due date will tell you about the position of your baby. At times, babies are feet first rather than head first. If you are a mother who wants to avoid C section at all costs, there are ways to turn such babies to the right position. It may not always work but it’s worth a try.
Here are some of ways to turn your baby:
- Stay in motion
While there is a limit to all the exercise and stretches pregnant women do, they should still do some form of exercise. Walking is the best exercise for pregnant women because it helps to strengthen lower back of women. The movement of walking keeps the pelvis in motion which means there are good chances that he baby will flip into a head down position.
Stretching your calves and taking walks aid in loosing up connective tissues and ligaments that offer support to the pelvis and uterus. This helps to make more room which can help the baby turn into the desired position for birth.
Squats is also a great exercise for getting your baby to turn. Before you opt for any kind of exercise, make sure you talk to your doctor about it. When you exercise, make sure you don’t overdo it as it can tighten up your ligaments near the hips.
- Go to a pool
Swimming is an excellent exercise for pregnant women. When you are immersed in water, you will feel free and weightless. Just like walking, swimming helps to keep your pelvis open increasing the chances of your baby turning head down.
If you simply don’t want C section, gather up some courage and do some handstands and flips in the pool. It is difficult for women in their third trimester but they can do it using someone’s help. It can certainly help the baby flip.
In case you have some complication and you are on bed rest, don’t even go near the pool. In a normal pregnancy it is more than good.
- External Cephalic Version
Doctors recommend external cephalic version if the baby is breech. External cephalic version (EVC) is done by doctor to turn your baby. It involves applying pressure to your belly using hands and trigger the baby to change position. More than fifty percent of EVCs are successful.
It can be painful for the some mother and will mostly work if the mother remains relaxed. Make sure the procedure is done in acute care facility because the need to do a C section may arrive.
Doctors don’t perform ECVs if the umbilical cord is in an undesirable position.
- Pregnancy Belt
You probably must have seen pregnant women wearing belts to support them and help them out with all the extra weight they have to carry. This pregnancy belt can also be used to get the baby in the desired position for natural birth.
All you have to do is wear the belt and allow it to put some pressure on the abdomen which can influence the baby to turn in just the position you want. As soon as the baby comes in the right position, you can consult with your doctor whether to stop wearing the belt.
Many mothers use it to support them any ways. It is only good to let your doctor know it if you are opting for wearing it for longer periods of time. It will provide you the comfort you need and manipulate the baby to turn.
- Ice packs and warm compress
By using temperature changes, you can make the baby feel uncomfortable at one end and more comfortable at the other end. Using this phenomenon, you can actually turn the baby to the desired position.
Hold an ice pack on the baby top part of your belly where the baby’s head is. Use a hair dryer or iron to warm some piece of cloth. Place this cloth at the bottom of your belly where the head is supposed to be. The cold will make him feel uncomfortable and he will probably move towards the warmer side to find some comfort.
You have to repeat this many times every day to find success. If this freaks you out a bit, take the approval of your doctor.
- Light and sound trick
Did you know babies can make out light in the womb and they can also hear you? some babies are curious and very responsive even in the womb. You can use light and sound to attract him downwards.
While most babies have their heads down in the third trimester, others need to be attracted and manipulated downwards. Take a flashlight and keep the bright end at the bottom of your belly. The baby will notice the light in the womb and move to see what it is.
At the same time, you can make the daddy talk to the baby at the bottom of your belly. He will be attracted by both the light and sound and will eventually move down. Curiosity will get to him.
- Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture has the power to give pregnant mother a lot of physical releif whether or not it fixes the baby position. A well trained acupuncturist is aware of the areas to be focused on to move the baby to the desired position.
They also suggest moxibustion. Now what is moxibustion? It is actually a Chinese herb whose stick is pressed on the mother’s little toes.it is quiet hot. No, it won’t burn you but it so hot that you will be able to tolerate it.
Various reports show that moxibustion has been successful in turning babies to the right position. There are several sessions of this therapy. Be prepared to go again and again.
