Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: neilep on 16/07/2005 04:16:11

Title: How does a baby turn in the womb ?
Post by: neilep on 16/07/2005 04:16:11

Hello wonderful science peeps of medical expertise.

Can you in your infinite wisdom explain to me the process of how a baby changes to the head down position in readiness for the ride of it's life !! ?

Is it the mothers body controlling this action and physically manipulates the baby ?..or does baby say to itself in an instinctive way  " I'm fed up of this place, I want to relocate, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, think I'll dive out of here "...?

So, does mummy body do the turning ?...or is it baby that turns by itself ? or is it a combination or something else completely ?

unfortunately, I can't remember when I was born else I'd recall what happenned !.......

cheers


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Title: Re: How does a baby turn in the womb ?
Post by: ukmicky on 16/07/2005 17:30:45

i believe its the baby that turns as there is more room head down

Title: Re: How does a baby turn in the womb ?
Post by: chris on 17/07/2005 12:44:57

Hi Neil

great question, and one I asked myself whilst I was at medical school.

The answer comes down to space considerations. The internal shape of the uterus, and the shape of the baby, mean that towards the latter end of pregnancy the baby ends up in the position that best accommodates - which is head first. This is obviously also the most sensible orientation for birth, which is why uteruses are formed the way they are.

Things can throw a spanner in the works however, and fibroids (fibrous growths formed by the uterine muscle in some women), or a low-lying placenta, can prevent babies arranging themselves into the correct position, although this is fortunately rare.

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

Title: Re: How does a baby turn in the womb ?
Post by: l_kryptonite on 18/07/2005 11:05:54

Ask any mother who's felt it happen; they have very little control over afairs.  Doctors can suggest poking and prodding all they wish but ultimately, what baby says, goes.  As you well know, this sometimes means that baby needs an expert to explain the situation...with a firm grip.

Good luck to you all...and have fun.

Title: Re: How does a baby turn in the womb ?
Post by: neilep on 18/07/2005 12:51:08

Thank you all lovely wonderful special people for your answers. I'm hoping that in wifeys case baby has turned. Less than a couple of weeks to go now. I'll let you know. ta *sigh*

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Title: Re: How does a baby turn in the womb ?
Post by: chris on 18/07/2005 12:55:46

Yes, the remedy being hinted at by kryptonite is called EVC - 'external corporeal version' - literally grabbing hold of the bulge that feels most head-like through the abdominal wall, and tugging it down towards where it should be - in the pelvis. This sometimes works, but occasionally stubborn babies refuse to budge, or instantly return to their original malpresentation. The process carries a risk of triggering labour, but preparations are always made first for this eventuality ! Good luck,

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

Title: Re: How does a baby turn in the womb ?
Post by: neilep on 18/07/2005 13:07:23

Thanks Chris, she had it last Thursday (an ECV that is)....though we think the baby did in fact return to it's breech position !!..it's an obdurate little so and so !!!...we'll find out later today !

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