In this article:
What Is a Sunny Side Up Baby Position?
A sunny side up baby is one who is head-down in the womb but facing the abdomen instead of the back. This position is known as occiput posterior (OP) because the back of the baby’s head rests against the mother’s spine.In the ideal face-down position (occiput anterior), the baby faces the mother’s back with the chin tucked in, making birth smoother. When a baby is sunny side up, the face is turned upward, and the head presses against the spine. This can make labour more uncomfortable and sometimes longer.
It’s important to remember that although many babies start labour facing upward, only a small number remain in that position until birth. Most babies turn on their own during labour and move into the face-down position before delivery. Even if a baby is sunny side up late in pregnancy, there’s still a strong chance of them rotating naturally when it’s time for birth.
How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is Sunny Side Up?
Your doctor usually checks your baby’s position after about 34 weeks of pregnancy. This can be done in a few ways:- Feel the outside of your belly to estimate the baby’s position.
- Use an ultrasound for a more accurate confirmation, especially during labour.
- During the second stage of labour (when your cervix is fully dilated), a manual exam can also confirm if the baby is face-up.
Why Does a Baby End Up Sunny Side Up?
There isn’t one clear reason why some babies end up in the sunny side up position, but several factors can make it more likely. These include:- Premature labour: Babies born early may not have had enough time to rotate into the face-down position.
- Pelvic shape: A narrow, heart-shaped (android) pelvis can make it harder for the baby to turn.
- Placental issues: A low-lying placenta (placenta previa) or partial detachment (placental abruption) can limit the baby’s movement.
- Twins: With two babies, the limited space in the womb can lead to one being sunny side up.
- Fibroids: Uterine growths can restrict the baby’s ability to move into the ideal position
- First-time pregnancy: First-time parents are more likely to have a baby in this position.
- Maternal age or weight: Being above 35 or obese may slightly increase the risk.
- Large baby: Babies weighing over 4 kg may struggle to rotate.
- Late pregnancy: Babies still posterior at 41 weeks or beyond are less likely to turn.
- Previous posterior delivery: If you’ve had a sunny side up baby before, it might happen again.
How Does a Sunny Side Up Baby Position Affect Labour?
Having a sunny side up baby can make labour a bit tougher, but a safe vaginal delivery is still very possible. Here’s what that might look like:- Back labour: Because the baby’s head presses against the spine and lower back, the pain is often felt more in the back than in the belly. It can feel stronger and more constant than usual contractions.
- Longer labour: The baby’s position can make it harder for the cervix to open and for the head to move through the pelvis, which might make labour last longer.
- Increased interventions: Sometimes, doctors may need to step in with methods like induction, forceps, or a vacuum to help the baby come out safely. In some cases, a caesarean section might be needed if the baby gets stuck.
- Perineal tearing: The larger head presentation can increase the risk of severe tearing.
Can You Turn a Sunny Side Up Baby?
Some things that can help encourage a baby to turn face down before or during labour are:- Stay active: Gentle walking or moving the hips can help create more room for the baby to shift.
- Use a birthing ball: Sitting on an exercise ball helps improve posture and keeps the pelvis aligned.
- Try different positions: During labour, avoid lying on your back for long periods (more than 50 per cent of labour time). Instead, try hands-and-knees position, squatting or lunging.
- Manual rotation: In some cases, a doctor may gently guide the baby’s head into a better position during labour. But it doesn't always work.
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FAQs on Understanding The Sunny Side Up Baby Position
- Are babies in the posterior position more likely to go overdue?
No, babies in this position are not necessarily more likely to go past their due date. Labour may be longer, but the timing of birth is usually similar to other positions. - How should I sleep to help turn a posterior baby?
Lie on your left side, keeping your left leg straight and bending your right leg at a 90-degree angle. This position will encourage the baby to rotate.