Bethany Britton Mom of five. Wife to one. Homeschooler. Writer. Jesus-follower. View all articles | Contact author

A baby in the posterior position is one with his head down, but facing the mother's tummy. His back is against her back. This position accounts for many cesareans due to failure to progress and maternal fatigue. Usually a posterior position causes severe back pain during labor, know as 'back labor'. This pain is caused by the baby's skull rubbing against the mother's tailbone, and is so intense (believe me, I know) that the mother will beg for intervention, or give up.

 The top picture shows a baby in the posterior position, with his head facing the mother's tummy. The bottom picture shows a baby in the anterior position with his head facing toward the mother' spine. Notice how much smaller the anterior head is? When the baby is in the anterior position, the head fits better into the pelvis, putting more even and adequate pressure on the cervix. This aids the cervix in dilating quickly and effectively. Also, pushing is easier, simply because the portion of the head presenting is smaller in the correct position. It may only be a couple of centimeters, but when the opening is only 10cm large, a few centimeters makes a world of difference.

 Here are some more pictures to help you visualize the baby's position.

Anterior position (the ideal position)

 Posterior position

 It is best to prevent the baby from getting into a posterior position by practicing good posture. The baby's back and head are the heaviest part of his body. The baby is effected by gravity and the heaviest parts will naturally rotate down. When you recline, that heaviest part will rotate toward your back. When you sit straight up, and even lean forward, the baby's back will turn toward your front.

 Once you realize your baby is in the posterior position, here are some things you can do to turn the baby:

• diaphragmatic release
• lunges - put one foot on a stool or chair and lunge foreward, making sure the knee is facing out. Hold fo 5-10 seconds. This widens the pelvis, and gives baby room to rotate.
• Avoid deep squatting
• Use the 'knee to chest' position. When on hands and knees, stick your bottom (butt) in the air, to tip the baby back up out of your pelvis so that there is more room for him to turn around.
• Sway your hips while on hands and knees
• Crawl around on hands and knees. A token 5 minutes on hands and knees is unlikely to do the trick - you need to keep working at this until your baby turns. Try crawling around the carpet for half an hour - while watching TV or listening to music. It is good exercise as well as good for the baby's position!
• Don't put your feet up! Lying back with your feet up encourages posterior presentation.
• Swim belly-down, but avoid kicking with breaststroke legs as this movement is said to encourage the baby to descend in the pelvis You can still swim breaststroke, but simply kick with straight legs instead of "frogs' legs".
• Try sleeping on your tummy, using lots of pillows and cushions for support.
• Take a warm bath, and get in the tub on all fours, do pelvic tilts while relaxing your tummy.