Can dr tell if baby is "sunny side up" during routine internal?

kristinasmall

I have been having a LOT of hip pain.  More than with my first 2 babies.  A friend of mine had that as well, and the baby was face up instead of face down.  I have a dr appt this week and she will do an internal, and I'm wondering if she can tell from that which way baby is facing?

 Thanks!

Kristina (Hayden Reese EDD 5.7.11)

spokenfor1583

My dr was able to tell me he was head down when I was at 36 weeks by feeling my belly. So it is totally possible.

kristinasmall

Just a little clarification....I know baby is head down, dr did tell me that last time.  But I'm wondering if the back of her head is against my tailbone, instead of her face like it should be..

MrandMrsAndrews

With DS, I had horrible back labor and pain - but I don't remember it being in my hips. 

Dr and nurses were able to tell me that the baby was "sunny side up". HTH!

abrazz

Well, at my internals with DD the doctor never mentioned anything but the L&D nurse knew when I was in labor that DD was sunnyside up. 

MrsJuicy2B

They can tell, but it doesn't mean much until you're actually in labor. The baby's head & body have to rotate during labor and it's possible to be in the perfect position before labor but end up with an occiput posterior baby during labor anyway.

jellybeanjean

i've never heard of anyone being able to tell til you're in labor.  in labor, the doctor/nurse feels for the suture lines on the head to tell which way the baby is facing.  also, back labor can be an indication.  during a routine exam when you're not dilated enough to really be able to feel those sutures, i doubt anyone would be able to tell with accuracy if the baby is OP (face up) or OA (face down).

rickandcaitlin

The only way I found out that lo was sunnyside up was through an u/s I had. But I had my suspicions. I have been having back contractions and lots of hip pain.

iris427

I don't think they can tell that through an internal exam unless you're dilated enough for them to feel the head sutures.  But it's possible to tell by feeling your belly.  Ultrasound can also be used.

The vast majority of babies who start labor in the OP position will rotate to anterior on their own.  But I can certainly understand why you would want to rotate the baby now--I had an OP baby and I also had lots of back and hip pain during pregnancy and lots of back labor.  Plus mine was one of the 5% that doesn't rotate during labor and I ended up with a c/s because of it.

If you search online, you should find some tips for turning a posterior baby.  Getting on your hands and knees is one way.  GL.