Sunny Side Up Baby: What to Know About the Posterior Position
You may have heard of the term "sunny side up baby" before, but what does it actually mean? Essentially, it refers to when the baby's fetal position is facing upwards towards the mother's abdomen during labor, also known as the occiput posterior position. It's not uncommon, but it can sometimes make the birthing process a bit more challenging.
In this article, we'll discuss what you need to know about sunny-side-up babies, including the potential risks and how they can impact your labor and delivery experience. So, grab a cup of tea, and let's get informed!
Types of Baby Positions
If you're curious what the different types of baby positions in the womb, here's a brief guide of ways baby can be lying in the womb:
Occiput Anterior (OA): Baby's head is down, and the back of the head faces the mother's front. This is the most ideal position for a vaginal delivery.
Occiput Posterior (OP): Baby's head is down, but the back of the head faces the mother's back. More back labor, ouch!
Occiput Transverse (OT): Baby's head is down, but the back of the head faces one of the mother's sides.
Breech: Baby is lying with their buttocks or feet down toward the birth cancel instead of the head.
Each position can affect labor progress, so it's important to watch how your little one is hanging out in there.
How a Posterior Baby Affects Labor and Delivery
Unfortunately, baby's position in the womb can mess with your labor progression. To start, if your baby is facing sunny-side up, it can make labor pains even more intense than they already are. It can put extra pressure on your back and pelvis, causing major discomfort. Plus, it can slow down the whole labor process because the baby's head isn't in the optimal position for making their grand entrance.
Risks of a Sunny Side-Up Delivery
Laboring with a sunny-side-up baby can bring some extra challenges you might not expect. Here are some risks of baby being in the OP position:
Increased risk of medical interventions. This position could lead to longer labor or even the need for interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction.
Increased risk of tearing. Since baby's head is in a slightly awkward position, it can put more strain on your perineum and increase the likelihood of tearing.
Increased risk of having a c-section. Because baby isn't in the best spot for a vaginal delivery, this can sometimes lead to a c-section being performed.
All in all, laboring with a sunny-side up baby may require a bit more patience and endurance, but with the right support and guidance from your doctor or midwife, you can still have a successful birth experience.
Ways to Encourage a Sunny Side-Up Baby to Rotate
Thankfully, there are ways to help the baby get into the OA position before labor and delivery. Here are some exercises to try.
Jessica demoing side lying release
Side Lying Release
This technique is especially useful in balancing the pelvis and helping the baby to get into an optimal position for birth.
To start, the mom should choose which side she wants to stretch first. She should lie down on her side on a firm surface that’s as long as her body, with her head resting level on a pillow and her neck straight. The assistant should stand in front of the mom, ensuring her hips and shoulders are stacked directly on top of each other. To prevent the mom from tipping off the surface, the assistant should press their leg or hip against the edge of the surface.
While the mom holds onto a chair or table for stabilization, she should scoot her hip about two inches from the surface edge. The assistant should help stabilize the mom's hip to prevent twisting and ensure her top shoulder is directly above the bottom one. The mom then straightens her lower leg and flexes her toes toward her knee to begin the stretch, while the assistant firmly holds her hip in place.
Next, either the mom or the assistant should lift the top leg high enough to clear the lower thigh. With the knee bent, the top leg should hang gently by its own weight for 2 to 3 minutes or until the leg drops slightly lower. Afterward, the mom can switch sides, and the steps are repeated to complete the stretch on the other side.
PSOAS Release
The PSOAS muscle runs from your lower back to your hip, and when it's tight, it can affect your baby's position. By releasing this muscle, you can create more space for your baby to move around and hopefully get into a better position for birth. To release the muscle, follow these steps:
Positioning: The PSOAS release is performed while lying on your back with your knees bent or your feet on the floor. Some variations may involve lying on your side or using a bolster for support.
Breathing and Relaxation: Start by taking deep, relaxed breaths. The goal is to stretch and release the psoas muscle gently, so maintaining a relaxed state is important.
Gentle Pressure: Place your hands on your lower abdomen or the area near the PSOAS muscle (located near the lumbar spine and pelvis). You can use gentle pressure or a small, firm object like a massage ball or bolster to help release tension in the muscle.
Movement and Stretch: Some techniques involve gently rocking or shifting the pelvis to help release the muscle. Movements should be slow and controlled to avoid any discomfort or strain.
Focus on Alignment: Ensure that your pelvis and spine are in a neutral position to maximize the effectiveness of the release and prevent additional strain.
The PSOAS release may help rotate your baby in the womb if they're in a tricky position.
Dip the Hip
To begin, the mom should find a sturdy surface, such as a bed or couch, that’s at a comfortable height. Standing next to the surface, she should place one foot up on it, keeping the other foot flat on the floor. The mom's hips should be squared, with her shoulders aligned over her hips.
Next, the mom should gently dip the hip of the leg that’s on the floor by bending the knee slightly. This motion will cause her pelvis to tilt. As she dips her hip, she should feel a stretch along the side of her lower back and hip area. It's important that she maintains a steady and controlled movement without leaning too far forward or backward.
The mom should hold this position for 3-5 seconds, then return to the starting position. She should repeat this dipping motion 5-10 times on one side before switching to the other leg and repeating the process. This gentle rocking motion helps encourage the baby to move into a more optimal position for birth.
The move can be done throughout the day as needed to help the baby settle into the right position.
Best Positions for Labor to Birth a Posterior Baby
So, if you've got a baby who's hanging out in the posterior position, you might be wondering what the best positions are to help them make their grand entrance. Here are some options:
Hands and Knees: This position can help encourage your baby to rotate into a more ideal position for birth. Plus, it takes the pressure off your back and makes it easier for your pelvis to open up.
Side-Lying: Lying on your side can help open up your pelvis and provide some relief from the intensity of labor. Plus, it can be a cozy position to chill out in between contractions.
Squatting: Getting your squat on can help widen your pelvis and allow your baby to move down and out more. Just make sure you've got some support to lean on!
Basically, any position that does not put pressure on your back is a good position to try!
Conclusion
It's important to discuss your baby's position at birth with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for a healthy delivery. Remember, every labor is different, so try to stay calm and trust in your body's ability to bring your baby into the world. You got this!
