Head previa. Is it good or bad?

What does the medical term "head previa" mean, how will this affect the course of labor? Whether it is necessary to experience, if the doctor speaks, what at the child parietal or frontal head previa? We will try to answer all questions as clearly as possible.

This is an important factor, often determining the course and nature of childbirth. The specialists call the position of the fetus in the uterus, which it occupies throughout pregnancy. The most optimal is the head presentation. Depending on the location of the child, the doctor leading the birth can decide whether to give birth alone or whether to have a cesarean section.

The baby can turn to the cervix of the head, buttocks, legs or side. In the process of bearing, children often change position. Different stages of development of pregnancy are characterized by different levels of activity of the baby. The child can take the pelvic, head or transverse position several times in one day. This is considered absolutely normal. However, if in the early stages of the change of position occurs frequently, the closer the childbirth, the calmer the baby becomes and the less its activity.

Experts control the process with ultrasound at 12, 24 and 33 weeks. However, special attention is paid to the presentation of the fetus on the 28-32 week. At this time, the fetus occupies the most physiological or head previa. After 34 weeks, it is difficult for a child to change position, due to the fact that his weight and size are rapidly increasing, and there is less space left.

If the gynecologist, who leads the pregnancy, says that the baby is located upside down, this means that in most cases the process of birth will be normal. However, there are several different types of fetal head presentation, which should also pay close attention.

• The back of the child can be turned towards the abdominal wall of the mother or to her spine. It is better if the back is directed to the mother's backbone. In this case, especially if the head is pressed to the chest, the birth takes place more easily. This position is considered the most optimal. The main number of toddlers, about 97%, occupy precisely this location.
• Also distinguish right-sided position or left-sided. Kids can turn slightly to the right or left.
• Frontal, occipital, parietal, facial presentation. Depending on which part of the head the child faces the cervix before giving birth, this parameter is determined. The most correct and less traumatic is the baby's flexion occipital disposition. In other cases, the likelihood of injury to the mother and child is increasing. The facial presentation of the fetus, the photo of which is presented below, is especially dangerous.

However, even if the baby is not in the correct position before delivery, this does not mean that you need to start panicking. Just the opposite. A woman needs to calm down and fully trust the doctor who leads the birth. If you follow the doctor's instructions, the likelihood of avoiding breaks and not injuring the baby rises several times. Only complete mutual understanding between you and coherence of actions will lead to a successful resolution of the generic process. It is the confidence and desire of the mother to help the midwife often determines the outcome of childbirth. And the head presentation, in itself, is the key to successful delivery!