Optimal Foetal Positioning

(Pauline Scott, 2003, pg 104-106)

Here are some suggestions to encourage your baby into the optimal foetal position (OFP) for labour and birth

Incorporate into your daily life forward leaning postures, eg watch TV by kneeling on the floor leaning over a beanbag or cushions. Reading can be carried out the same way.
While sitting down, make sure your back is straight and your knees are below your hips, eg while sitting on a sofa or chair (especially at your place of work), place a cushion or pillow behind your back to straighten it.
When resting or sleeping, lie on your left side to encourage your baby to roll over. The “recovery” position is ideal. Add pillows behind your back for support and place your right leg forwards over your left leg until your tummy almost touches the mattress. This ensures that your tummy is leaning forwards to create a “hammock” for your baby. To add comfort, a small pillow between your thighs may be needed.
Car trips (especially long-distance trips) have the same effect on your pelvis as modern furniture. Place a thin pillow under your bottom and lower back (or a rolled up towel) to help bring your pelvis forwards.
Exercises such as swimming (with your tummy forwards), walking, yoga (except deep squatting) are great for pregnant women.
Use a “birth ball” to sit forward and rock your pelvis on. These are available through many pregnancy and childbirth organisations or businesses.

Pelvic rocking three times daily in sets of 20 minutes. Think Elvis Presley!
Knee-chest position three times daily for 20 minutes.
Take warm baths. Gently massage and encourage your baby to “roll” over.
Talk to your baby and visualise him in the position you want.
Acupuncture, acupressure and/or homeopathies may be helpful. Seek out a registered natural therapist.
Wait until your baby is awake (when you can feel some movement) before starting pelvis rocking or adopting a knee chest position. An awake baby is more likely to be encouraged to move!