What does the medical term “head presentation” mean, how will it affect the course of labor? Is it worth it to worry if the doctor says that the child has a parietal or frontal head presentation? We will try to answer all questions as clearly as possible.
This is an important factor, often determining the course and nature of childbirth. Presentation experts call the position of the fetus in the uterus, which the fetus occupies throughout pregnancy. The most optimal recognized head presentation. Depending on the location of the child, the doctor conducting the birth may decide on an independent birth or on the need for a cesarean section.
The baby can turn to the cervix with his head, buttocks, legs or side. In the process of gestation, children often change position. Different stages of pregnancy are characterized by different levels of activity of the baby. A child can take a pelvic, headache or lateral position several times in one day. This is considered absolutely normal. However, if in the early stages a change of position occurs often, then the closer the birth, the calmer the baby becomes and the less his activity.
Specialists monitor the process using ultrasound at the 12th, 24th and 33rd weeks. However, special attention is paid to the presentation of the fetus at 28-32 weeks. At this time, the fetus occupies the most physiological or head presentation. After 34 weeks, it is difficult for the child to change position, due to the fact that his weight and size increase rapidly, and there is less and less free space.
If the gynecologist conducting the pregnancy says that the baby is located upside down, this means that in most cases
the birth process will go well. However, there are several different types of
head presentation of the fetus, which should also be closely monitored.
- The back of the child can be turned towards the abdominal wall of the mother or to her spine. It is better if the back is directed to the spine of the mother. In this case, especially if the head is pressed to the chest, childbirth is easier. This position is considered the most optimal. The main number of babies, about 97%, occupy just such an arrangement.
- They also distinguish between a right-handed position or a left-handed one. Toddlers can turn slightly to the right or left.
- Frontal, occipital, parietal, facial presentation. Depending on which part of the head the child faces the cervix before giving birth, this parameter is determined. The most correct and less traumatic is the flexion of the occipital position of the child. In other cases, the probability of injury to the mother and child increases. The facial presentation of the fetus, the photo of which is presented below, is especially dangerous.
However, even if the baby did not take the correct position before giving birth, this does not mean that you need to start to panic. Just the opposite. A woman needs to calm down and completely trust the doctor who is giving birth. If you follow the doctor’s instructions, the likelihood of avoiding tears and not injuring the baby increases several times. Only full understanding between you and the coordination of actions will lead to the successful resolution of the birth process. It is the trust and desire of the woman in labor to help the obstetrician that often determines the result of childbirth. And head presentation, by itself, is the key to successful delivery!