Back to back baby

[coneywonder]

Hi ladies,

I am due today and just had my 40 week appointment. I asked if baby was back to back and midwife said "I think the baby is back to back yes, but labour and contractions should turn the baby it just means a longer labour"

I don't know if I'm being dramatic but I'm a FTM and I'm very anxious about the birth, she knows this and I'm now terrified I am going to have a hurrendous labour.

Anyone successfully turn their baby before birth? How do you do it? And if you didn't how bad was the labour?

Also is there anyway I can tell myself if she's right? I don't get any strong kicks from baby just swooshing and movement of the body more than anything so I was suprised. Help I'm very weepy and hormonal ha

[sidsgranny]

Hi! Congratulations on your imminent birth!

My DS was back to back. In my experience I found lying on my back very uncomfortable and that being on kneeling with my arms over the back of the bed (how he was eventually born) much easier.

[TheReturnoftheSmartArse]

Absolutely the same as Sids - kneeling and leaning over the back of the bed was much more effective when I had a back-to-back baby too. In all honesty, for me, it wasn't any worse than giving birth to my other baby, so don't worry too much. Best piece of advice ever given to me? "Listen to the midwife and concentrate on him/her" - really made a difference to me!

Best of luck - very exciting that you'll soon get to meet your baby!

[coneywonder]

Thank you. Very good advice.

[Skeppers]

My baby is currently back to back and I'm hoping he'll turn around before the birth; I have 5 weeks to go. Midwife told me to spend as much time on all fours as possible between now and my due date as he's more likely to turn himself in that position as he'll have more room. She also said (echoing what's above) that lying on my back during labour if he stays b2b probably isn't the best position and to squat or kneel or get onto hands and knees. I quite like the sound of this as it'll give me something to brace against whilst pushing!

Also, the NCT practitioner said that some babies just find the best way to come out for them and if this is back-to-back for some people it just means that maybe their pelvis is a slightly different shape (or something to that effect).

Good luck! Let us know how you get on!

[WorldsBiggestGrotbag]

My first was back to back (turned during labour) and in now 40+1 and this one is too. I think there's something in what Skeppers said in that back to back is sometimes the best position for some people. I have a tilted uterus so maybe that's why.
My first labour was long but pretty straightforward and recovery was quick (I just had gas and air). I'm hoping for the same this time.

[S2b16]

Both my dds were back to back so I have nothing to compare the labours too. Dd1 was induced and 17 hours established labour, dd2 40+4 and 7hrs 52....been told to sit up straight, use birthing ball on daily basis and try not to slouch to try have this baby the right way round....but at 37 weeks slouching is all I know lol. Good luck hope your baby turns. xx

[addictedtosugar]

DS1 was back to back (and came out that way)
Hospital wanted to send me home when I got there. I refused. DS1 was born 2 hrs later, drug free. Total labour (first contraction to baby) 7 hrs. Established labour 2 hrs.

Look at the "spinning babies" website. Lots of suggestions for ways to encourage baby to turn. Didn'#t work for me, but lots of people swear by it.

[coneywonder]

Thanks everyone. Been reading spinning babies and have been sat on ball since got back.

I definitely don't plan on labouring on my back. What will be will be I suppose