Can my baby’s position change during labour?

Yes, newborns do move and turn a lot during labour. Some people who begin in a bad position may get into the right position as their contractions get stronger.

Should I be worried if my baby is breech at 32 weeks?

Not always. By the 36th or 37th week, most babies have turned head-down. If your baby stays breech, your doctor will keep an eye on you and recommend what to do next.

Does the baby’s position affect whether I need pain relief?

Sometimes. A few positions, including occiput posterior, can make your back hurt more, which may mean you need more pain treatment during delivery.

How the Baby’s Position Inside the Womb Affects Labour

Your doctor or midwife may talk about the position of your baby a lot when you're getting ready to give birth. It can be hard to understand this at times, especially when you're already trying to picture what labour will be like. The truth is that the position of your baby in the womb can affect how labour starts, how long it lasts, and how comfortable or difficult it may be. Knowing the common positions newborns take and the help that is available to you can make the journey seem less scary and more comforting.

What is “Baby’s Position”?

When we talk about your baby's position, we mean how your baby is lying within your womb as labour approaches. Your doctor or midwife will usually check two important things:

Presentation: The baby's position is head down, feet first, or lying on their side.
Orientation: The baby's position, or which way their head and back are facing.

These facts help your medical team understand better how readily your baby may be able to get out through the birth canal.

What Is The Ideal Position For Your Baby?

The most favourable position for labour is when your baby is head-down, with the back of their head towards the front of your tummy (known as the occiput anterior position).
Why is this position ideal?

The smallest part of your baby’s head is usually the first to emerge, which can make birth smoother.
Labour is often shorter and a little less painful.
The chances of having a straightforward vaginal birth are higher.

When your baby is in this position, it often means things progress more comfortably for you.

What Are Some Other Common Positions and Their Impact on Labour?

1. Occiput Posterior (Baby Facing Your Tummy):

In this position, your little one is still head-down, but their back is against your spine, also known as the " sunny side up position."
What this could mean for you:

Labour can last longer and increase your lower back pain.
Pushing might take longer and be harder.
During labour, some babies turn on their own, while others may need support from your healthcare team.

2. Breech Position (Feet or Bottom First)

Sometimes, a baby sits with their feet or bottom pointing down instead of their head.
What this could mean for you:

This position can make vaginal birth harder.
For safety concerns, a lot of doctors suggest a C-section.
Sometimes, before labour, your doctor may try to gently turn your baby using a method called External Cephalic Version (ECV).

3. Transverse Lie (Baby Lying Sideways)

Your little one is lying across your womb instead of up or down. Your baby is lying across your womb instead of up or down.
What this could mean for you:

You can't have a vaginal delivery in this position.
A C-section is usually the safest option unless your baby turns to a head-down position before labour begins.

4. Face or Brow Presentation

On rare occasions, your baby’s face or forehead leads the way instead of the top of their head.
What this could mean for you:

It can be harder for your baby to move through the birth canal.
Labour may take longer, and sometimes a C-section may be needed.

How Do Doctors Check the Baby’s Position?

Your doctor or midwife will gently inspect your bump and may use an ultrasound scan as you approach the end of your pregnancy. These tests help them find out if your baby is head-down and ready to be born.

Can You Help Your Baby Move into a Better Position?

While you can’t fully control your baby’s position, there are simple steps you can try to encourage them to shift into a more favourable position:

Staying active by doing light exercise, like walking.
Sitting up straight instead of slumping back for long periods of time.
Use a birthing ball to maintain hip flexibility and openness.
Spending some time on your hands and knees may give your baby space to turn.

Always check with your midwife or doctor before trying any specific exercises, especially as your due date approaches.

How Baby’s Position Shapes Your Labour Experience?

The position of your baby in the womb could influence how long labour lasts. Some positions make contractions less effective, which can make the baby come later.

Type of delivery: In most cases, when it is in the head-down position, a normal vagina birth is possible. But forward or sideways placements can mean a C-section.
Your comfort: Some positions bring more pressure or backache during contractions.

Remember, even if your baby isn’t in the “ideal” position, you don’t need to worry. Midwives and doctors are experienced and have plenty of safe techniques to help. You’ll always be supported in bringing your baby into the world safely.
As you prepare for labour, understanding your baby’s position can help you feel calmer and more confident. While the head-down, occiput anterior position is usually the most favourable, your baby may settle differently at first, and that’s perfectly normal. With the right support, you can still have a safe birth. Trust your healthcare team to guide you. Remember, your birth story will be unique to you, and that’s what makes it so special.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on How the Baby’s Position Inside the Womb Affects Labour

Can my baby’s position change during labour?
Yes, newborns do move and turn a lot during labour. Some people who begin in a bad position may get into the right position as their contractions get stronger.
Should I be worried if my baby is breech at 32 weeks?
Not always. By the 36th or 37th week, most babies have turned head-down. If your baby stays breech, your doctor will keep an eye on you and recommend what to do next.
Does the baby’s position affect whether I need pain relief?
Sometimes. A few positions, including occiput posterior, can make your back hurt more, which may mean you need more pain treatment during delivery.