Display of vertices: type, position, complexity

Overview

When a baby is about to come out into the world, the baby is in the vertex, breech, or sideways position. Vertex position means the baby is head down in the pelvic area. This is the position the baby should have during vaginal delivery.

This blog will discuss apical position, complications, and other types of positions your baby may have during labor.

where is the vertex?

As mentioned earlier, the vertex position is the position of the baby during vaginal delivery. Baby moves to apex position between her 33 degrees.^rd – 36^th gestational week. In this position, the baby’s head comes out of the vagina first during birth. However, it is important to know that the baby may appear in other positions, such as the breech (feet first position) or sideways (sideways) position. We may suggest alternative birth plans to give birth safely.

How are babies born in the apex position?

When the baby is in the apex position, the baby emerges from the vagina through the birth canal. Unlike other mammals, which have wide birth canals, humans have a small birth canal. Due to the narrow space in the birth canal, babies tend to bend their heads in different ways to fit in the birth canal. However, once the baby’s head fits within the birth canal, the chances of the baby changing positions at the last minute are greatly reduced. Baby can switch to apex position at any time during labor, even in breech or sideways position.

When to Seek Doctor’s Advice?

Pregnant women may seek medical advice to clarify any doubts or explanations.

What other positions a baby may lie in the womb?

As already mentioned, the fetus can also take a breech or sideways position in the uterus. Below is a detailed description of both.

bleach position

In this position, the baby lies in the womb with the feet or buttocks facing the mother’s vagina. If the baby remains in an inverted position past the 36th week of gestation, the provider may attempt an extracorporeal cranial vault (ECV) on the mother. ECV refers to applying external pressure to the abdomen to reposition the baby to the apex. Although this procedure is painful for the mother, it is the safest way to keep the baby in place.

In Case of vaginal bleeding, baby arrhythmia, rupture of membranes, or multiple pregnancies, ECV is not recommended. Also, do not perform ECV if the baby is larger or smaller than normal, if the placenta is low, or if the mother is developing. high blood pressure and organ damage. In such cases, a health care provider may recommend a caesarean section to deliver the baby.

Horizontal position

During delivery, the baby lies across the uterus. A doctor may recommend ECV surgery for her. If the ECV fails, the provider may deliver the baby by caesarean section.

Can complications still occur if the baby is in the apex position?

Vertex position is the correct way for the baby to lie down during birth, but it can lead to complications. If the baby weighs more than her 4.5 kg, it will be difficult for the baby to get out of the birth canal. Heavy baby shoulders may make it difficult to move down the canal. For babies over 5kg, alternate delivery options may be recommended to avoid trauma for both baby and mother.

What are the risks associated with breech and lateral positioning of the baby?

The breech and lateral positions can lead to many complications, including:

ECV issues: The amniotic sac may rupture or the placenta may tear while the provider performs ECV to move the baby’s position to the apical position. In some cases, it can change the baby’s heartbeat or induce preterm labor.

breech birth problem: In the breech position, the baby cannot push out the mother’s cervical muscles. A shoulder or head may get caught or impaled on the mother’s pelvis. Also, the umbilical cord may enter the vagina before the baby, reducing the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby.

Conclusion

Vertex position is the correct way for the baby to lie down in the womb during delivery. It doesn’t mean that vertex positions don’t cause problems. It is important to seek professional advice during pregnancy to clear your doubts and address all concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the baby turn when in vertex position?

Even if your baby is in the proper vertex position, it may turn to other positions. Pregnant women with excess amniotic fluid are at risk of the apex baby suddenly breech. Talk to your healthcare provider and ask what you can do to keep your baby in place until delivery.

How to know if a pregnant woman is having an apex position baby?

All healthcare workers are trained to feel the baby’s position with their hands. This method is known as Leopold’s movement and may help you find out if your baby has vertex placement.Ann ultrasound The test also helps you find and confirm your baby’s position accurately.