![]() Occiput PosteriorWhat is Occiput Posterior?The most common position for a baby during labor is head down with the back of the head (occiput) facing the front of the mother (anterior). When the back of the head is facing the back of the mother (posterior) the baby's position is called Occiput Posterior. This occurs in 15-30% of labors. A baby who does not rotate into an anterior position during labor is considered a "persistent posterior." Why is Occiput Posterior a labor challenge?When the baby is in a posterior position, the bony part of the head is pressed against the bony part of the pelvis. The pressure of the contractions pushes the head into the pelvis and can cause tremendous back pain. Some women feel the pressure even between contractions. Few women expect to feel their contractions as mostly a back ache. Because the posterior position puts bone near bone, it is more difficult for the baby to fit into the pelvis. Posterior babies generally require longer labors, and if the baby persists in a posterior position, second stage may be longer than average as well. This can be fatiguing for a woman. When the baby remains in a posterior position (5.5% of labors), the mother is more likely to experience a longer than average labor (both first and second stages); the use of synthetic oxytocin to augment (speed up) labor; epidural for pain relief and a cesarean surgery. Some women experiencing back pain in labor find relief from regional blocks, however anesthesiologists will not guarantee they can remove the back pain. There are various labor positions and techniques that can be used to encourage the baby to rotate, however they may not be effective. Coaching SolutionsChange positions regularly, focusing on positions that will encourage the baby to rotate. Use counter pressure on her back Try the Hip Squeeze Stay in the moment. Don't focus on how many more contractions she may have, but how she is handling the contraction she is having right now. Things to discuss with your caregiver:
For More Information Homeopathic Remedies for Back Labor and Posterior Presentation References:
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