Can you tell from movement/kicks if baby is back to back?

[Elliott]

Hi, had mw app yesterday and baby is definitely head down which is great. But I didn't seem to get a clear idea from her about what way she's facing, I did say I'm feeling kick like movements on both sides of bump and she didn't seem bothered by this just said they can move from side to side.

I just wondered what the kicks feel like or where they tend to be if baby is back to back?

I'm super scared of the birth so am hoping the first hurdle of baby being in a good position goes well and I know back to back isn't terrible but just interested to know and then can put more effort still to try and encourage her to turn.

Thanks xx

 

[El1en]

I don't know for definite but I'm sure I was told that feeing kicks on your far right hand side means baby is in the best position

 

[Elliott]

Hmm I'm far left mostly at the min with the odd right?!? Ha

 

[kitten2014]

HI Elliott, our baby girl favoured both right and left and despite being on right side on day before birth, when my waters broke she went back to back but i wasnt totally aware of this as the midwives simply said she's turning. After labouring for 44hrs total including 20mins for the crowning realised she was back to back so had 11.5cm to deal with as opposed to 9-10 but it was alright and to be honest sunny side up for her was better as didnt have to turn her in the water after birth, she just came up smoothly...

I worried a lot about positioning towards final weeks and was forever doing ball bouncing, squats and sitting ramrod straight on sofas (all advised by spining babies website) but in the end it made no difference as she turned during labour so what I was told and would say to others is be aware of your posture and exercises that can assist positioning but dont fret about it to the extent where you are more uncomfortable in latter weeks...afterall you dont get that time back and its best to enjoy your final weeks of pregnancy if you can...

 

[kitten2014]

as E1len says, whichever side you feel kicks generally baby will be the opposite but our girl had her feet up behind her bum so the side I felt kicks was the side she was lying on as well - confusing or what...hiccups I found were more accurate, the side you feel hiccups more prominently is generally where the baby's chest will be...

 

[Elliott]

Thank you kitten that's all stuff I will keep in mind for certain, especially he not stressing too much about it. Hiccups I seem to feel low right side.

You mentioned about turning her in the water, did you use a pool?? I apologise as I jump on anyone who had a water birth as this is what I'm hoping for all being well! Was your experience good? (Can pm if you'd rather totally up to you).

Thanks again x

 

[kitten2014]

hi elliott my story starts here:

http://www.pregnancyforum.co.uk/third-trimester/466406-april-2015-mummies-139.html

yes it was waterbirth n best thing ever did! birth pool in a box...had candles, chillout music n ambipur roses scent, I managed without pain relief but feel that if hadnt been in water wud have been different story...i kept getting in and out to begin with then final 5hrs solid...

 

[Elliott]

Thanks kitten I'll have a good read through glad it went well for you! Pool at hospital is my plan but obviously only if available :s fingers crossed!

 

[kitten2014]

No problem, it'll be worth it if you can but it depends on how many ppl are in and want to use it I guess...

 

[Elliott]

Yeah, I've just been told to call as soon as things get started it to try and "baggsy" it haha.

 

[Cazzie11]

Hi Elliot! Thought I'd message you about this as Benjamin was back to back, it was excruciating! All I'll say is I didn't know before going into labour but found out as my contractions were all In my back, I remember thinking it was really odd. I had to have an epidural as the pain was so bad and I was taking so long. They are great btw, although I didn't feel anything, I was so calm and really enjoyed the experience so if you need one, don't feel bad!

Benjamin is now 4 and a half months old and is doing so well! Being a mummy is the best thing in the world! It's worth all the pain, it's true what they say, you totally forget it and I'm actually jealous when I see pregnant people as I want another one! (Although not for a couple of years yet!) hope everything's going well xxx

 

[Elliott]

Hi cazzie! Lovely to hear from you and thanks for info although not sure I liked your use of the word "excruciating" haha.

Think I'm just going to see how it goes, all the all fours positions in the world won't guarantee anything. It's my crazy need to be in control of things making me want to try and get but baby position but ultimately I'll have little say! Just wish u could suss the movements a bit, I've even used a bear to try and imagine how she might by curled up in there to explain where I feel things haha

Glad things are going well for you, bet Benjamin is a right little cutie x

 

[kitten2014]

hi elliott, you're exactly the same as me, wanted to be in control - well both pregnancy and birth have taught me the true meaning to 'go with the flow', my trying to control labour even stalled it for a few hrs as had transitioned past the opening phase, could tell I was bearing down and so wanted to listen to upbeat music and bounce on my ball...this was good for the soul and gave me breather but totally took me out of my labour zone I had been in and contractions slowed down...mind over matter is a powerful thing!

Dont worry I even drew our baby on paper based on scan measurements and freaked hubby out lol (cant draw for toffee) - on spining babies they encourage you to use felt tip pen on your belly to map where baby is - called belly mapping - fyi use a non permanent marker lol...I never did this as after scans could work out where she was frequently but if you've not had any recent scans this could help you work out things...

 

[Elliott]

Thanks kitten, I am going to have to learn to just go with things. Maybe my yoga relaxation stuff is what I should do more of. I've not had a scan since my 20wk one as they've had no need to request another, terrible to say it but sometimes I wish there was something they could haut check out so we could get another peak! But obviously pleased all as been well and no concerns.

I had a quick look on the spinning babies site a while back might try another look. Imagine if you used perm pen ha the midwives would have a good laugh! Especially if you'd got it totally wrong!

 

[kitten2014]

Hi elliott, yes I totally recommend relaxation 'stuff' whatever works for you...Maggie Howell saw me through my final 15weeks on a nightly basis and was even played 5-6 times during the birth - anything that helps you zone out and focus on your breathing and completely forget everything around you but you and your baby will help towards a relaxed and potentially less painful birth...ive heard a lot of the hospitals will let you take in your own music, battery lit candles etc etc and you should ask for the lighting to be turned down...this will all help in relaxing you...it worked wonders for me

 

[littlemonkey]

I honestly wouldn't worry too much about baby's position as my son moved position during labour!

This baby has been back to back with me most of my pregnancy and has recently moved into a similar position to where his older brother was, with his back on my right side. This only happened within the last week, so your LO still has lots of time to change and move.

 

[Elliott]

Thanks monkey, know it's ever changing just wish I could see or feel what was going on. From what little midwife did say I think it's most likely she's in her side at the min but could all change. Two weeks until next app just feels like a while to be wondering what she's up to hehe