A posterior baby position, also known as occiput posterior (OP), refers to when a baby is head-down in the uterus but facing the mother's abdomen (front) instead of her spine (back).
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Occiput: This refers to the back of the baby's head.
- Posterior: This signifies that the back of the baby's head (occiput) is positioned towards the mother's posterior (back). While it sounds counterintuitive that it's called "posterior" when the baby faces the mother's front, the name refers to the location of the back of the baby's head.
While it's generally safe to deliver a baby in the posterior position, labor might be longer and more uncomfortable because the baby's head is not ideally positioned to navigate the birth canal. Because the baby's head is presenting a larger diameter to the pelvis, labor may be more prolonged.
Key Characteristics of a Posterior Baby Position:
- The baby's head is down (cephalic presentation).
- The back of the baby's head (occiput) is facing the mother's abdomen.
- Labor can be longer and potentially more painful.
A baby in the posterior position may rotate during labor to an anterior position (facing the mother's back), which is the optimal position for delivery. If the baby does not rotate, it may still be possible to deliver vaginally, but interventions might be necessary.
