What is the first position?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Pham Thi Yen - Obstetrics & Gynecology - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

The position of the fetus is an important factor determining whether a woman will have a vaginal birth or a cesarean section, which is the lying position of the baby relative to the mother's cervix. In the case of the first-place pregnancy, the woman can have a normal birth.

The first position is considered the most favorable position for giving birth. In fact, many first-time mothers do not know if the first position of the baby is the baby's head and whether it is the right position or not.
According to specialists, when the ultrasound determines the first position of the fetus, it means that at this time, the fetal head is towards the mother's vulva, the fetal bottom is towards the mother's chest, helping the baby come out more easily. However, depending on the position of the baby, the first position is divided into the following forms:
The first position: This is the position where the fetus bows the most to the lower abdomen, becoming the favorable position or called the fetal position. early - can follow up for a normal delivery into labor. The fontanel position: The fetal head will be in the middle, palpable from the nose to the mouth, not the chin Forehead position: The fetus also tilts its head up along the fetal axis with the mother's axis. Face-to-face: At this time, the fetus will tilt its head up the most, bringing its entire face forward. In addition to the first position, the remaining positions, although it is the first position, however, the fetus does not bow well to prepare to pass through the vagina, causing difficulties during childbirth. Therefore, depending on different situations, the doctor will choose the appropriate method of normal delivery or cesarean section to ensure the safety of the mother and the fetus.

When turning 28 weeks pregnant, pregnant women should have an ultrasound to know most accurately whether the fetus has turned its head to become a forward position or not. In addition, mothers can also predict this through the shape of the baby's belly, the position of the fetus, the movement of the baby's arms and legs in the womb.
If the fetus has turned its head, the mother's abdomen will be oval in shape, pulling from top to bottom, from the top of the ribs to the pubic bone. In the upper part of the uterus, the doctor will see the fetal bottom, in the lower part of the uterus is the round and hard head, the sides are the baby's back, arms and legs.
Besides, pregnant women can notice whether the fetus is currently kicking on the upper or lower abdomen. In about 80% of pregnancies, the fetus will begin to turn from the 28th to 29th week of pregnancy. The remaining 20% ​​will fall into 2 cases of early or later turning (before signs of labor).
Increased pressure in the lower abdomen: When the fetus turns its head to the right position, that's when the mother feels pressure on the lower abdomen. Because this is where the folds are created when sitting. This may not be felt by all pregnant women, as it depends on how thick or thin the abdominal wall is.

Can understand the feeling of both nervousness, happiness and anxiety of pregnant women when entering the last weeks of pregnancy. If the doctor concludes that the first pregnancy position is from 28 weeks onwards, then the pregnancy is developing normally, the fetus is in the right position and the pregnant woman can rest assured to wait until the day of labor.
If it is said that early turn of the head is a sign of early birth, this is not entirely true, because according to specialists, only one factor does not say anything, pregnant women should monitor themselves. There are other signs such as: pain in the lower back, edema, pink discharge, ... to know the exact status of the fetus.
The fetal position directly affects the labor and delivery method, the unfavorable position will lead to difficult delivery and have to have a cesarean section if the intervention measures do not work. Therefore, in the last months, pregnant women should have regular prenatal check-ups to know the position of the fetus and take measures to change the position of the fetus, thereby making the choice of an appropriate birth method.
To protect the health of the mother and baby comprehensively as well as help the mother feel more secure during labor, Vinmec provides a package Maternity service. With this package, the mother will have regular antenatal check-ups and routine tests to monitor her health. The fetus is monitored for fetal heart rate and uterine contractions with an obstetric monitor at 37-40 weeks of gestation to predict the exact time of delivery. During labor, the mother will be given pain-relieving techniques during and after birth such as: epidural anesthesia, pudendal nerve anesthesia (applied to normal delivery), postoperative pain treatment (applied to childbirth). surgery). In particular, Vinmec is deploying cold plasma services to help wounds heal quickly such as: cesarean section, perineal stitches, baby umbilical cord, and lactation to avoid swelling, redness, infection, and dryness. , flat, beautiful straight edge, little pain, no bruising, no convexity.
If you have a need to use maternity services at Vinmec, please register directly at the website to be served.