Baby’s Position in Pregnancy: When Do Babies Turn Head Down?

Throughout pregnancy, your baby will move around and change positions. One pivotal shift marks a significant milestone towards birth: when your baby turns to a headfirst, head-down position within the uterus. As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may find yourself wondering about the timing of this event—when “should” your baby be head down? In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms of a baby turning head down so you can know how to tell if your baby is head down, how to help your baby turn head down, and the optimal baby position for birth.

Why Does a Baby Turn to a Head-Down Position for Birth?

So, what does it mean when a baby is head down? Babies generally turn head down toward the birth canal as a part of their natural instinct to get into the best possible position for birth. This is known as the vertex or cephalic presentation. A baby may settle into the optimal position, which is head down and facing the mother's back (occiput anterior position), but occasionally they may position themselves head down and face forward (occiput posterior position). The face-forward position may cause more discomfort during delivery.

Remember, each pregnancy is unique. If you have any concerns about your baby's position, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider.

When Does a Baby Turn Head Down?

Curious about when a baby “should” be head down? It’s important to remember that the exact timing of when a baby turns head down can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. Generally, babies turn head down during the third trimester (which ranges from 28 to 40 weeks), a few weeks before birth.

How to Tell if Your Baby Is Head Down

To determine your baby’s position, your healthcare provider will usually perform a physical exam during the final few weeks of your pregnancy, feeling your abdomen to locate your baby’s head. They may also perform an ultrasound to confirm the position, especially if your baby is suspected of being in breech presentation, meaning your baby’s feet or buttocks are positioned downward, lower than the head.

So, how to tell if your baby is head down without an ultrasound? And can you feel when your baby turns head down? You may notice signs and symptoms of your baby turning head down. These could include:

• Pressure on your bladder, which may cause frequent urination

• Pressure in your pelvis and hips

• A reduction of pressure against your diaphragm and lungs, making it easier to breathe

• The area where you feel kicks when your baby is head down. You may feel kicks higher in your belly or under your ribs when your baby is head down, whereas in the breech position, you may feel kicks lower in your belly.

These signs that your baby is head down may be more evident when your baby “drops” lower into your pelvis in preparation for labour. This process is known as lightening. Remember, every pregnancy is different, and you may not experience any sensation or signs that your baby is head down. If you're unsure if your baby is head down, your healthcare provider can confirm the position during a prenatal checkup.

What if Your Baby Doesn’t Move Head Down?

When a baby is not head down, they might be in what's known as a breech position or a sideways transverse lie position. In a breech position, the baby's buttocks or feet are positioned to descend down the birth canal first, instead of the head. This position can pose certain risks during vaginal birth, as the baby's head is the last part to emerge. Three main types of breech positions include frank breech, complete breech, and footling breech.

If you're getting closer to your due date and your baby is still not head down, there are a few options that your healthcare provider may consider:

• External cephalic version (ECV), a procedure in which a healthcare provider gently manipulates the baby's position from outside the belly. This procedure is usually performed if your baby isn’t in the head-down position after 36 weeks of pregnancy.

• A planned cesarean birth (cesarean section or c-section), if the baby's position cannot be changed or poses risks during vaginal delivery.

It's important to discuss these options with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for you and your baby. In some cases, your little one may continue to move around and switch positions in the weeks before birth. Again, keep in mind that every pregnancy and birth is unique and your healthcare team will work with you to ensure a safe delivery for both you and your little one.

How to Encourage Your Baby to Turn Head-Down?

If your baby is not yet in a head-down position and your due date is approaching, you may be wondering how to “get” your baby to turn head down and “Does walking (or other activities) help a baby turn head down?” While you can’t actually make your little one do something, there are some gentle things you can try to encourage them to move, after checking with your healthcare provider. It's important to note that these methods are not guaranteed to work. They include:

• Spending time on all fours and rocking back and forth gently

• Doing pelvic tilts or rotating your hips in a circular motion

• Swimming or walking in water, which can provide buoyancy and help the baby move into a head-down position

• Talking to your baby and using gentle and stimulating sounds, such as music, may also encourage them to turn.

Remember to always consult your provider before attempting any exercises or techniques to help your baby move.

The Bottom Line

In the final weeks of pregnancy, you could be concerned about your baby's positioning and wondering “When do babies turn head down?” if your little one hasn't settled into this position yet. But rest assured, your baby still has time to turn head down, and even if they don't do this, there are safe delivery options available. Remember to stay in close communication with your healthcare provider and reach out if you have any questions or concerns. You're doing a great job—keep up the good work!

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}