Is it possible to deliver naturally if the fetus is in an abnormal position? Under what circumstances is a caesarean section necessary if the fetus is in an abnormal position?

We all know that during pregnancy, the fetus will move around in the mother's belly, especially in the second trimester, so the position of the fetus is not fixed. Some pregnant mothers will encounter malposition of the fetus. Malposition of the fetus is generally not conducive to normal delivery. So does malposition of the fetus require a caesarean section? Let's take a closer look!

Does a pregnant woman need a caesarean section if the fetus is in an abnormal position?

This is not the case. Not all malpositions require cesarean sections. Instead, the degree of abnormality of the fetal position should be evaluated. Usually before 30 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is still relatively small and there is more amniotic fluid in the uterus, so there is enough space for the fetus to move around. Therefore, many malpositions found before 30 weeks will naturally correct themselves without anyone noticing.

However, if the fetal position is still abnormal during 30-34 weeks of pregnancy, correction must be performed. If the correction is unsuccessful, a decision on whether to give birth naturally or by caesarean section will be made based on the fetal position.

Therefore, if the fetus is in an abnormal position, a caesarean section is not necessarily required. In the late pregnancy, pregnant mothers who have not successfully corrected the position can undergo a version surgery. However, both of these require evaluation by a doctor. Even if the fetal position is correct, a natural birth is not necessarily possible, because it also depends on whether the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck, whether the placenta is anterior, and whether the fetal head can smoothly enter the pelvis. Only then can the indicators for a natural birth be met.

When is a caesarean section necessary during pregnancy?

1. Relative head-pelvis asymmetry, the fetus is obviously too large or the pelvis is narrow;

2. Abnormal soft birth canal or injury to the bony birth canal, such as coccyx fracture;

3. Abnormal fetal position, such as breech position, transverse position, etc., which are not suitable for delivery, but not all;

4. Twins, multiple births, and abnormal fetal position;

5. Umbilical cord prolapse, it takes several minutes to deliver the fetus;

6. The fetus suffers from intrauterine hypoxia or has signs of hypoxia;

7. The first child was delivered by cesarean section to avoid possible uterine rupture;

8. Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, placenta previa, placental abruption, etc.

9. The pregnant woman has a disease or infectious disease, or is older (over 35 years old).

These are the indications for cesarean section, among which abnormal fetal position may require cesarean section for some, but not all. Doctors need to analyze the specific conditions of the mother and fetus based on prenatal assessment and make the final plan.

How to correct fetal position

First, chest-knee lying position

To correct the fetal position in this way, the pregnant mother needs to empty her bladder before starting, and loosen her belt to give the abdomen more freedom. The pregnant mother should support herself with her hands, raise her buttocks, and keep her breasts as close to the yoga mat as possible. Do this twice a day, and each time for 15 minutes.

This method also has requirements for the pregnant mother, and not every pregnant mother can do it. First of all, the amount of amniotic fluid must be sufficient, preferably 800 ml, and the fetus does not have the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck. If the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck, the pregnant mother's actions may cause the umbilical cord to tighten and may even increase the loop.

Second, inversion

This method has already existed in ancient times, but not everyone dares to do it as it involves certain risks. In ancient times, many people died due to difficult labors, so midwives also learned this technique to find the fetal position and determine the location of the fetus before starting to turn it over. It only takes one minute for a skilled person to do it.

How to prevent fetal abnormalities

1. First of all, before preparing for pregnancy, you must do some exercise, especially if you have given birth to a baby. The elasticity of the abdominal muscles is relatively poor. It is often seen that many pregnant mothers have loose abdomens because they have given birth and did not recover in time. Therefore, before pregnant mothers become pregnant, they must train their abdominal muscles to ensure that they will not be loose.

2. Pregnant mothers should control their blood sugar concentration during pregnancy to ensure that it does not exceed the standard. If they suffer from gestational diabetes, it will easily lead to high blood sugar concentration and excessive secretion of amniotic fluid. Excessive amniotic fluid will easily cause the fetus to change its position.

3. Do not stimulate the mother's belly, especially by touching or bathing at too high a temperature, as this may cause fetal hypoxia and easily lead to changes in the fetal position.