Baby Positions

We believe birth is easier with fetal positioning. Baby’s head fits like a matching puzzle piece when slipping into the birthing pelvis.

Here’s how the puzzle works:  The head is longer front to back. The head engages (about 38-40 weeks or in labor) best when the long direction of the head matches the widest angle of the pelvis. Therefore, the direction the baby’s head faces matters.

Another point that is important in fetal position is chin tucking (flexion).

Baby’s head seems smaller when the chin tucks close to the chest. The head can seem bigger when the chin is up in extension. Some babies may not fit the pelvis if their chin is up, away from their chest, because their head will seem bigger (in your body) and their spine is more straight and less able to wiggle and turn through the pelvis with contractions. We offer a plan for pregnancy to help a posterior baby be able to turn!

Head down is half the story. The other half is the angle of the head. A tucked chin eases birth! The room for baby to tuck their chin is based on creating room for your pelvic anatomy, not just the bones but the muscles and more soft tissues. Enhance your body function with our Three Principles of Balance, Gravity, and Movement^SM.

Baby Positions:

Figure out baby’s position with Belly Mapping^® Method

Anterior

Posterior

Breech (head up)

Left Occiput Anterior

Right Occiput Anterior

Left Occiput Transverse

Right Occiput Transverse

Left Occiput Posterior

Right Occiput Posterior

Transverse Lie (sideways)

Oblique (diagonal)

Asynclitic (tipped)

Face Presentation (face first)

After Baby Turns

Browse our other topics on fetal positioning. Create a better experience for you and your baby.