askvity

What to avoid when baby is head down?

Published in Pregnancy Care 2 mins read

After your baby has transitioned from a breech position to a head-down (vertex) position, it's generally advised to avoid the Forward-leaning Inversion and other inversions (like Open Knee-chest) for approximately three days while you focus on other body balancing techniques and daily activities.

Here's a breakdown of why and what to consider:

  • Reasoning for Avoiding Inversions Immediately After Turning: The goal after a baby naturally turns head down is to encourage them to stay that way. Inversions are exercises that shift the center of gravity, and while they can be helpful for turning a breech baby, they are generally not recommended immediately after the baby is head down as they could potentially encourage the baby to move out of the head-down position. Instead, focus on techniques that promote pelvic alignment and space for the baby to settle further into the pelvis.

  • Activities to Focus On (Body Balancing Techniques):

    • Pelvic Tilts: Gentle rocking of your pelvis can help create space and balance.
    • Walking: This helps the baby settle lower into the pelvis.
    • Chiropractic care (Webster Technique): This can help ensure proper pelvic alignment.
    • Sitting on an Exercise Ball: Promotes good posture and pelvic mobility.
  • Daily Activities: Continue with normal, gentle daily activities, avoiding anything strenuous.

  • After Three Days: Following the three-day period, you can consult with your healthcare provider (doctor or midwife) about reintroducing inversions or other exercises. The key is to confirm the baby is well-engaged and settled in the head-down position before resuming anything that could potentially change its position. This will involve clinical assessment to determine the position of the baby.

Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations during pregnancy.

Related Articles