This scan is for ladies wishing to confirm baby’s position and presentation prior to labour.
Now available between 34-39 weeks.
If you are a low risk patient and are not having regular growth or well-being scans you will not be offered a scan at the end of the pregnancy. This scan will be able to determine if the baby is indeed head down and whether he or she is anterior (baby’s back towards your tummy) or posterior (baby’s back towards your back). If baby is posterior it will give you time to encourage baby into the anterior position, which is the optimum position for delivery.
Here are some methods which can encourage baby into the anterior position:-
- When you sit down, tilt your pelvis forward instead of backward.
- Spend time sitting and rocking on a birthing ball or exercise ball.
- Always try to have your hips higher than your knees when sitting.
- Try where possible to avoid lots of sitting, take regular breaks and move around as much as you can.
- Sit on a cushion in your car to lift up and tilt your bottom forward.
- Get on your hands and knees (like you’re scrubbing the floor) for a few minutes at a time. Doing this a few times a day will encourage your baby into the anterior position.
- Try alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Of course these tips don’t always work and some babies will not turn. In most cases of poor positioning babies will still turn spontaneously during labour so it is important that you remain calm and focused on the end goal.