PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for July, 2001: Re: Baby's position/ Palpating, Part 2 (Taye)

Re: Baby's position/ Palpating, Part 2 (Taye)

From: Sandra (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 31 Jul 2001 21:28:52 -0500 (CDT)

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Previous message: Sandra: "Re: Baby's position/ Palpating your baby (Taye)"
In reply to: William McIntosh, MD: "Re: Baby's position (or change of ) at 37 weeks"
Next in thread: Sarah: "Re: Baby's position (or change of ) at 37 weeks"

Feel the top of your uterus (the fundus). The buttocks will feel irregular, less round, softer, and not as mobile as the head would be. The head would feel like a hard round ball, and it can be moved (balloted) very easily without the rest of the baby moving whereas if you tried to move the buttocks, there would be more resistance, and the whole body would move. The head can be easily distinguished because it is so hard and big.

Palpation is simply feeling your baby and locating different body parts. Don't be afraid to do it. It doesn't hurt the baby. I like to think that the baby probably enjoys having mom feel him/her twice a day running her hands over their little body kind of like a massage.

If ever I am not absolutely sure as to the position--usually between 28-30 weeks is a little more difficult, or if there is a lot of amniotic fluid, I usually have my husband do the palpating for me. He can find the head easily, and can even listen to where the baby's heartbeat is to confirm. If I find the head in the fundus, I lie on pillows elevating my hips about 12". That usually is sufficient to turn the baby to vertex. (By 30 weeks try to have baby in this position.) As your pregnancy progresses, and there is more baby in ratio to amniotic fluid, it will be much easier to feel the baby. Start around 26-28 weeks and do it every day. By the time you are full term, you'll be an old pro!

Whenever you go for a prenatal exam and your attendant palpates the baby, ask where the baby's head is. Ask the position. Ask if they will show you how to feel it.

Baby's head - Feels round, hard, easily moveable

Baby's buttocks - Feels irregular, softer than the head, not easily moved

Baby's back - Feels firm, curved, consistently smooth

Baby's hands, legs, arms - Small, irregular and where you feel the most movement

Back hard to find but lots of small parts - Posterior position

If the baby is breech, you may feel a lot of kicking down by the cervix which can be painful. If the baby is vertex, you will feel more kicking by your ribcage.

Next message: sally: "smoking"
Previous message: Sandra: "Re: Baby's position/ Palpating your baby (Taye)"
In reply to: William McIntosh, MD: "Re: Baby's position (or change of ) at 37 weeks"
Next in thread: Sarah: "Re: Baby's position (or change of ) at 37 weeks"

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