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PHONE

303-718-1554

EMAIL

cheryl.furer@msn.com

OPENING HOURS

By Appointment Only

Helping a Posterior Baby Turn Anterior

turning posterior

Written By: Cheryl Furer

Beginning at about 38 weeks, you and your baby should start getting ready for labor. Exercising in a way that gets your baby into an optimal fetal position can make the labor process go smoother. The best way for your baby to be born is for the back of his head facing the front of your body, or occiput anterior. Babies can be born in different positions, but occiput anterior is ideal for reduced back pain and time in labor.

The key to these exercises is upright, forward leaning positions, with your knees lower than your pelvis. Avoid sitting in semi-reclined positions, like long car rides, and with crossed legs.

One of the best exercises to help baby move is a Cat-Cow position.  This helps create a “hammock” in the front of your belly, which baby can rest in.  For this Cat-Cow position it may be helpful for someone to read to you while you try it the first time:

  • Cat- cow: While on the floor place your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips in a table top position.  Let your belly and head drop to the floor.  Just breathe and relax.  Arch your back- like a cat- while your head and back of your butt reach for the floor. Breathe for two breaths.  Now relax your back.  Stretch your neck in front of you.  Be aware that tilting your head back too much may cause unnecessary strain on your neck. Breathe for two breaths.  There shouldn’t be any pain in your neck or back with either of these activities. 
  • Do as many as feel comfortable.
prenatal exercise
  • Pelvis tilt: this isn’t so much an exercise, but it’s a way to bring  awareness to your posture. Standing without shoes on, put both hands on your hips. Tilt your hips, in an exaggerated way, to the front. Now tilt your hips to the back, almost as if you’re going to sit. Now stand normally again. Feel from the bone of your hip to the side of your butt. Can you feel your hips naturally tilting more to the front or the back? You want the hips to be close to up and down. This can be a challenge when you have a big belly tugging at your low back and if you wear high heels often
  • Figure 8s: Stand with feet hip width apart. Be sure to keep your knees bent during this!!! Put your hands on your hips and move your hips- left side forward, right side, back; then right side, forward, left side, back. Keep the movements, slow and steady. Feel free to turn up your favorite tunes and add your own moves too!
  • Walking gets your pelvis rocking and lets gravity help move baby into a good position
  • Going up and down stairs is a great way to get your pelvis to tilt properly. Do two or three at a time for a lunge exercise.
  • Swimming will reduce the added weight and stress to your legs. Swim with a doggie paddle or breaststroke (your legs should kick, instead of a frog kick). This will encourage your baby to have his back on the outside of your belly, and not against your back.
  • Prenatal yoga classes: These classes are generally designed to help your body relax and open up for labor. If these classes leave you feeling stressed or sweating too much, I suggest find one that is focused more on relaxation, but if you like the heart rate increase and sweat then stay hydrated and keep it up! 


Additional suggestion:

Use a yoga/birth ball: Sit on a yoga/birth ball instead of the couch or chairs when watching TV, in front of the computer, or eating. 

  • Be sure that the size of the ball is right for you. Your knees should be at the same height or lower than your pelvis. The goal is to have your pelvis tilted forward with your knees lower.
prenatal exercise2

***This is general information. Please speak to your health care provider about your unique health needs. 

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CHERYL FURER

Registered Midwife, CHom.

“I believe in continuity of care, which means that as your midwife, I’m here to support you throughout your pregnancy, birth, up until your baby is a toddler (really!) and beyond…”

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