Baby lying horizontal at 35 weeks

[niamh29]

Just back from doc appointment where she said baby was lying horizontal (head under right boob) I had a scan at 33 weeks and baby was horizontal on the other side. She was concerned about the way baby was lying and told me that if I felt any pains or signs of labour to go straight into labour ward and get checked out. She also said that the hospital might need to keep a closer eye on me because of the way the baby was lying, this is DC3 and my second was cs for breech.
What's all the fuss about? Anyone else have any experience of this?

I'm sure someone else will post, I haven't had personal experience of this but if your baby is transverse it means there's nothing 'plugging' the cervix, in the way that either the baby's head would be if in normal position, or bum would most likely be if breech (depending on the type of breech). That means there's a risk that if you go into labour, the umbilical cord could start to come out through your cervix and become compressed which would reduce blood flow to the baby. I think if you went into labour and the baby was still transverse they would do an emergency C-section, as there's no way a baby can come out sideways anyway, and they want to prevent the risk of umbilical compression.

Hope that helps, fingers crossed that your baby will turn at least one way or the other, prefably head down!

That's very helpful, thanks! I also used the wrong word, the baby is actually diagonal not horizontal (can I blame baby brain for that one?)

I've read that there are alternative ways to try and get the baby to 'engage' or get into the head down position:

• lie in the polar bear position www.laughparty.com/view.php?id=994&type=1&sort=2&cat=14

• Accupressure

• Accupuncture

Worth a try if it mean avoiding too much medical intervention!

Look up "spinning babies" on google. It has so much information which is wonderful and it shows you how you and your other half can help the baby into a better position gently. It has an unusual name but honestly it's a great website and worth a look. Sending you positive straight forward safe birthing thoughts. Best wishes :)

They should send you for a scan after 36 weeks, if it doesn't move most hozzies policy is to admit at 37 weeks. My DS was transverse but unstable, and this little madam is transverse and has been all the way through, so I have another scan in 5 weeks. they don't really do anything until after 36 weeks anyway. She does turn, then moves back I can tell by the kicks :(