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What's happening to your baby?
Not long to go now. So when you see the midwife, they’ll be recording whether your baby has its head up or down and what position it’s in. Most babies lie with their back to the mother’s front (anterior) or side (lateral). About 13 per cent of babies have their backs towards their mother’s back (posterior). This can lead to a longer labour because the baby’s head doesn’t fit through the pelvis so well and usually has to rotate.
If your baby is posterior, you may want to try optimal foetal positioning; this is a way of encouraging your baby into an anterior position by changing your posture. You should try and regularly use upright and forward leaning postures, this allows more available space in the pelvis for your baby to turn. So when you are sitting down check that your knees are lower than your hips, you may want to use cushions under the bottom and small of your back to make you more comfortable. |
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What's happening to you?
You probably feel like you've been waiting for your baby forever. Hang on in there. Most women give birth one week either side of their due date, so you're very likely to have your baby sometime over the next couple of weeks.
Your midwife will already have discussed with you what happens if you go overdue. It's only once you get to 41 weeks that you'll usually be offered help to bring labour on. In the meantime, it's important that you relax and get as much sleep as possible.
If sleep is hard to come by, try lying on your side and putting extra pillows behind your back, under your bump and between your knees. Stick to a regular bedtime routine, and allow yourself plenty of time to wind down before bed. If trips to the loo are keeping you up at night, try cutting back on fluids in the late afternoon and evening. |
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"The sac of fluid around your baby (your ‘waters’) usually breaks during labour, but sometimes it breaks before. You may notice a trickle of clear liquid or possibly a big gush. If your waters break, put a pad on and call the hospital, even if you're not having contractions. They'll probably suggest you go into the maternity unit to confirm that your waters have broken. They’ll also advise that you keep upright and mobile to aid contractions."
Bev Rolls, Midwife |
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| We answer hundreds of questions a week from parents. For free support and advice, get in touch via our new Live Chat service, call or email.
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Come and get to know us a little better. |
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| Only five per cent of babies are born on their due date so there's no need to panic if you pass yours. |
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| Find out about what happens as you reach or pass your due date. |
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All the best,
The SMA Baby Club |
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