How can our reader turn a back-to-back baby around? Our midwife advises...

Raisingkids member's problem
At my last midwife appointment I was told my baby's position is back to back. If the baby stays like this what are the implications during labour and is there anything I can do to help it move into the correct position?

Midwife Genevieve Kingston's Advice
Back-to-back babies are becoming more common due to the fact that we are more upright than we used to be.

It is generally recommended that you spend regular amounts on your hands and knees with your bottom in the air! Sounds crazy, but it can help. I have also known acupuncture to help in this, but be sure you see a certified acupuncturist. Sometimes the baby turns on its own. Sometimes though there is nothing that can be done.

Unfortunately babies that are in this position make labour much harder for themselves and their mother, as everything takes longer. The reason for this is when the baby is posteriorly positioned (back to back) their head doesn't fit as well into the pelvic outlet. It's pretty much a square peg, round hole scenario.

You can expect it to take longer to dilate. Often during labour, the contractions will turn the baby around, but not always. Labour will therefore be longer, which means the mother is more tired.

If your baby refuses to cooperate and turn, please ensure you offer yourself enough pain relief as the more tired you get, the harder the labour will become. I don't mean to sound like a gloom merchant - keep in mind that a fair number of babies do turn before labour.