#AskYourDoula: When is my baby supposed to be in a head down position?

Remember: every baby and every mother is different.

Generally, a baby should turn to the head down position between 30-34 week of gestation. Before the third trimester, baby is moving every which way and has a lot more room than towards the end of pregnancy. But by eighth month, baby typically will be moving into a position much like the baby pictured below. Baby is getting ready for his/her birthday! 

30 Weeks pregnant (source: BabyCenter UK)

Healthcare providers may be concerned if you are beyond 36 weeks and baby has not turned. If baby's feet stay down (close to your pelvis), then baby is said to be breech. Many doctors and hospitals will not deliver a breech baby vaginally. However, there are still doctors that will "allow" mamas to give birth to a breech baby vaginally. 

If you are at all concerned, speak to your healthcare provider about your baby moving into a head down (cephalic) position.

How to turn baby?

• Visit a chiropractor or an osteopath. (also talk to your healthcare provider).
• Learn how to do belly mapping.
• Exercise regularly throughout your pregnancy. *Ask about specific exercises to rotate/turn a baby.
• Sit on an exercise ball.
• Maintain proper posture. Sitting in cars and slouching on the couch are bad positions.
• Visualize your baby moving into the proper position.
• Talk to baby, who knows, he/she might listen.

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Want to know more about baby's optimal positioning? 
That's right, head down is not the only part that matters. The rotation and placement of the baby's head within the pelvis also matters.  A great position to strive for would be LOA or Left Occiput Anterior. (see photo below) By exercising and maintaining proper posture during pregnancy, mamas can give their baby the best chance engaging in the optimal fetal positioning. By having better fetal positioning, mama could have a shorter labour. Think about it, we want the narrowest part of baby's head to be the first part born.

Check out more on baby's position at Spinning Babies.com ​