Does anyone know what a 'prominant sacrum' is, and how it can affect giving birth?

[PeppermintPatty]

I'm wondering because when I was in labour with DD I was told by a consultant I had one.

I pretty sure she said it might be why my DD had got into a difficult position (back to my back and forehead presentation), although I was in labour so my memory could be wrong here!

Has anyone heard of this?

I ended up having an emergency caesarian with DD, due to her position.

When (if?) I get pregnant again, I would like to try for VBAC but an worried that maybe the same thing would happen because of what the consultant said about my 'prominant sacrum'.

Any advice appreciated, or ideas where I could find out more about it...

During birth your sacrum moves or swings very slightly between your big pelvic bones (at the sacroiliac joints) to allow the baby through the birth canal. As an osteopath I would be interested in the ability of these joints to move or give to allow the birth. By prominent, the consultant may be referring your sacrum's natural position which can vary between body types (lanky vs sporty) or races. Some people are naturally "stiffer" than others and some people are hypermobile. The important question IMO is wether the mobility in this area could be improved to make things easier for you. You could book an appointment to check this out.

As far as birth is concerrned; for your sacrum to allow this small movement the best position to be in is squatting, or on all fours, and not on your back (which tends to lock the area up and therefore reduce even more the free movement). Squatting type positions have been used for centuries... There are a number of books on this subject, Eg "New Active Birth" by Janet Balaskas.

I hope this helps!

Thanks for the info PearTart! I don't think I could afford to see an osteopath at the moment (I've only gone back to work part time so money is tight!). I will definitely consider it in the future though.

I spent a long time in labour sat on a birth ball, leaning forward. I don't know if this position was good??? It was a loooonnnng labour, I was v tired.

You might be able to find exercises/ yoga etc on internet to help prepare for next time. Birthing ball is good for keeping labour going but sometimes it's just too tiring, so don't feel bad.
There's a lot of stuff out there on birth positions and birth preparation and prob some stuff on MN and in books. NCT might be helpful too.
I think consultant was not helpful to give you a possible cause for difficult birth but no real solution!