I just found this on the internet:
'Optimal Foetal Positioning' (OFP) is a theory developed by a midwife, Jean Sutton, and Pauline Scott, an antenatal teacher, who found that the mother's position and movement could influence the way her baby lay in the womb in the final weeks of pregnancy. Many difficult labours result from 'malpresentation', where the baby's position makes it hard for the head to move through the pelvis, so changing the way the baby lies could make birth easier for mother and child.
The 'occiput anterior' position is ideal for birth - it means that the baby is lined up so as to fit through your pelvis as easily as possible. The baby is head down, facing your back, with his back on one side of the front of your tummy. In this position, the baby's head is easily 'flexed', ie his chin tucked onto his chest, so that the smallest part of his head will be applied to the cervix first. The diameter of his head which has to fit through the pelvis is approximately 9.5 cm, and the circumference approximately 27.5cm. The position is usually 'Left Occiput Anterior' or LOA - occasionally the baby may be Right Occiput Anterior or ROA.
The 'occiput posterior' (OP) position is not so good. This means the baby is still head down, but facing your tummy. Mothers of babies in the 'posterior' position are more likely to have long and painful labours as the baby usually has to turn all the way round to facing the back in order to be born. He cannot fully flex his head in this position, and diameter of his head which has to enter the pelvis is approximately 11.5cm, circumference 35.5cm.
If your baby is in the occiput posterior position in late pregnancy, he may not engage (descend into the pelvis) before labour starts. The fact that they don't engage means that it's harder for labour to start naturally, so they are more likely to be 'late'. Braxton-Hicks contractions before labour starts may be especially painful, with lots of pressure on the bladder, as the baby tries to rotate while it is entering the pelvis. Be aware that if you accept induction on the basis of being postdates, and your baby is in a suboptimal position, you may have a tough haul ahead of you.
[Taken from http://www.homebirth.org.uk/ofp.htm]
Why why why? I've been trying to do all the right things - I hardly lean back when I sit (because it hurts my tailbone); I sleep on my side, not on my back; I scrubbed floors on all fours up till about a month back..
It just makes me want to cry.
>Hugs<
I want you to know that facts can remain facts. But God remains God. He is Baby's God, and so she is in His strong and mighty hands.
By reading all your posts, I know you are a strong girl. Very strong. Pitch your eyes and heart on God alone. And when you hold her in your arms, you'll know He was brought you through.
I remember Megan gave me lots of pain at 3rd tri too. I was losing lots of amniotic fluid & Dr said there was nothing I could do. Towards the end, she had 4 rounds of the cord around her neck & my cervix was stuck at 2cm for 2weeks! I too, asked why can't I have a more "normal" pregnancy & delivery - I nearly lost her at 7weeks gestation.
But this Sweetie is a healthy 5 year old gal now. It's difficult & painful, but times like this, don't choose to read stuff that will only get your spirit down.
Take care, my fren. Praying for you.