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Is Baby in Vertex Position Safe During Labor?

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Prapti Chauhan
Is Baby in Vertex Position Safe During Labor?

The vertex position is the most favourable condition for giving birth. In this position, the crown of the baby is near the cervix. Almost 95% of babies are in vertex position after 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, 4-5% of babies stay in a breech position where their head is turned toward the opposite side of the cervix.


How to deliver in a vertex position?


The birth canal is narrow in human beings. Therefore, a baby must squeeze, twist, and turn itself to come out of the birth canal. The baby must flex and turn its head in different directions to squeeze itself out of the vagina. If you have a big baby, the shoulder can get stuck in the canal. You must keep taking deep breaths and keep pushing to help the baby come out of the vagina. You will have to keep pushing hard until the baby’s crown comes out. 


The ratio between the birth canal and the head of the baby is tight. Both the mother and the baby must keep pushing for the baby to come out.


Are there any complications in the vertex position?


Some complications may arise despite the vertex position being a safe position for delivery.


  • It could be difficult for a large baby to come out of the birth canal.
  • Shoulders of babies heavier than 4 kilograms may get stuck while coming out.
  • If you rush, your vagina may not get properly stretched.
  • You may experience lesions on the skin and muscles around the vagina.


Can a baby turn from vertex before delivery?


Your baby may be in vertex, but some babies turn before delivery and change position. The risk of your baby turning before birth is higher if you have:


  • Excess amniotic fluid—a condition called polyhydramnios.
  • Low levels of amniotic fluid. It can cause difficulty in the movement of babies.
  • A low-lying placenta.
  • Lying fibroids in the lower abdomen.
  • Multiple babies in the womb. Then, there is limited space for the babies to move.
  • One baby in the vertex position and the other in the breech position.


What if you are expecting twins?


It becomes challenging when expecting twins. One baby may turn into vertex while the other may be in a breech position. When delivering vaginally, there is a risk that the second baby will turn breech after the first one is delivered vaginally. In this case, your doctor may try to rotate the second one using breech extraction. If breech extraction fails or if your second baby has a very low birth weight, your doctor may decide to perform a C-section for the second delivery. The rate of C-section delivery for the second twin is 16.9%.


If your baby’s head turns down after 36 weeks, the chances of a safe vaginal delivery increase. However, a baby can turn around right before delivery. The complications can arise even at the last moment. Your doctor will take the final call regarding your delivery after looking at the position of your baby.

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Prapti Chauhan
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