Malposition of the fetus at 37 weeks of pregnancy

When a pregnant woman reaches the 40th week of pregnancy, she will face delivery and should make all preparations for delivery. At this time, it depends on whether the position of the fetus is suitable for natural delivery. Otherwise, only a caesarean section can be performed. Therefore, pregnant women should understand the fetal position in advance. But the fetus is in an abnormal position at 37 weeks of pregnancy. What should I do if the fetus is in an abnormal position at 37 weeks of pregnancy? At this time, we need to look at the specific situation of the fetal position to see whether the fetus can still be changed in direction to facilitate normal delivery. Otherwise, do not force a natural delivery.

The fetus in the uterus is immersed in amniotic fluid. Because the fetal head is heavier than the fetal body, the fetus is mostly in a head-down, hip-up position. Generally speaking, the occiput anterior position is called the normal fetal position in medicine, with the fetus's back facing forward and chest backward, hands crossed in front of the chest, legs curled up, head bent forward, and the occipital region lowest. During delivery, the head is the first to enter the pelvis, which is medically called head "presenting". This fetal position delivery is generally smoother.

If the fetus is in an abnormal position during the 37th week of pregnancy, it can be corrected by doing the knee-chest position exercise. The expectant mother should empty her bladder, loosen her belt, lie on a hard bed, support herself with her knees on the bed, her hips raised high, her thighs perpendicular to the bed, and her chest as close to the bed as possible. Do it once in the morning and once in the evening every day, each time for 15 minutes, for 1 week, and then go to the hospital for a follow-up check.

Acupuncture can also be used to treat malposition of the fetus at 37 weeks of pregnancy. There are successful precedents of acupuncture treatment for malposition of fetus in my country. Use acupuncture at the Zhiyin point to treat malposition of the fetus once a day, each time for 15-20 minutes, and 5 times as a course of treatment. It is suitable for expectant mothers diagnosed with breech presentation, transverse presentation, and oblique presentation during gynecological examination.

If the pregnant mother's fetal position has not been adjusted 1-2 weeks before the due date, most of them will need to undergo a caesarean section to avoid the birth canal compressing the umbilical cord and causing fetal deprivation of oxygen.

How to correct malposition of the fetus?

1. Transverse position should be delivered by elective caesarean section. For breech delivery, primiparas usually undergo caesarean section; for multiparas with a small fetus and a large enough pelvis, vaginal delivery can be considered.

2. Correction with knee - chest position exercise. Pregnant women should empty their bladder, loosen their belt, lie on a hard bed, support themselves with their knees on the bed, hips raised high, thighs perpendicular to the bed, and chest as close to the bed as possible. Do it once in the morning and once in the evening every day, each time for 15 minutes, for 1 week, and then go to the hospital for a follow-up check.

3. The doctor performs a rotation on the pregnant woman. If the fetus has not turned at 32-34 weeks of pregnancy, the doctor will consider performing an external fetal rotation on the pregnant woman to turn the fetus over so that the pregnant woman can give birth smoothly. External fetal rotation has certain risks. During operation, it may cause umbilical cord entanglement or placental abruption.

4. There are successful precedents of acupuncture treatment for malposition of fetus in China. Use acupuncture at the Zhiyin point to treat malposition of the fetus once a day, each time for 15 to 20 minutes, and 5 times as a course of treatment. It is suitable for pregnant women diagnosed with breech presentation, transverse presentation, and oblique presentation during gynecological examination.

5. Carry out prenatal examinations, diagnose malposition of the fetus in advance, and provide timely treatment. If the fetus has not turned into a head position, it is necessary to be hospitalized 1 to 2 weeks before the expected date of delivery. The doctor will decide the mode of delivery based on the specific situation of the pregnant mother.