This development means that a vaginal delivery poses major risks to both you and the fetus.
Sometimes, a transverse fetus will turn itself into the head-down position before you go into labor.
Other times, a healthcare provider may be able to turn the position.
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This article looks at causes and risk factors for a transverse baby position.
Marko Geber / Getty Images
How Common Is Transverse Baby Position?
Causes and Risk Factors
Certain physiological issues can lead to a transverse fetal lie.
Healthcare professionals diagnose a transverse lie through an examination called Leopolds Maneuvers.
That involves feeling your abdomen to determine the fetal position.
It’s usually confirmed by an ultrasound.
You may also discover a transverse fetal lie during a routine ultrasound.
That makes a vaginal delivery easier and safer.
A transverse position only happens in about 1% of deliveries.
Turning into the proper head-down position may help you avoid a C-section.
At-Home Options
You may be able to encourage a move out of the transverse position at home.
you’re able to try:
These methods may or may not work for you.
While there’s anecdotal evidence that they sometimes work, they haven’t been researched.
Talk to your healthcare provider before attempting any of these techniques to ensure you’re not doing anything unsafe.
Cesarean Sections
C-sections are extremely common and are generally safe for both you and the fetus.
Still, some inherent risks are associated with the procedure, as there are with any surgery.
In some situations, a surgical delivery is the safest option available.
That means it’s worthwhile to discuss options for different types of delivery in case they become necessary.
Vaginal delivery usually isn’t possible in these cases.
A trained healthcare provider can use turning techniques.
You may also be able to get the fetus to turn at home with some simple techniques.
Both C-section and vaginal delivery pose a risk of certain complications.
However, these problems are rare and the vast majority of deliveries end with a healthy baby and parent.
Talking to your healthcare provider early on about possible scenarios can give you time to think about possible outcomes.
Whether this involves a cesarian section will depend on the specific case.
Less than 1% of babies are born in the transverse position.
In many cases, a doctor might recommend a cesarian delivery to ensure a more safe delivery.
A planned cesarian section, or C-section, is typically performed in the 39th week of gestation.
This is done so the fetus is given enough time to grow and develop so that it is healthy.
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