random baby question

Ktbug613 · July 2013

Is there any medical/scientific explanation for how babies know they are supposed to turn head down in prep for labor? Ive never come across anything in my reading but Im def curious

Ktbug613 · July 2013

Theusualmischief:
I was wondering about that the other day myself! Also, I know I just need to google it, but I've also been curious as to why the left side is so special? You always hear you should lay on your left side...
Whatever the reasons:

first off love the gif! and that was an awesome movie! hahah

maybe the left side is special because thats where the heart is which is the source of bloodflow?......**runs off to google**

TurtleMomma · July 2013

The left side deal has to do with your inferior vena cava [major vessel running from your lower half back up to your heart]. Its on the right side of your midline and by laying on your left side you keep all your internal junk from pressing down on it [which would inhibit blood flow returning to your heart, leading to things like increased swelling in your feet and legs].

TurtleMomma · July 2013

And if I were to wager a guess on the head down thing, I would think it has to do with the limited space they have available as they grow. Their body takes up the most space, and your upper abdomen can handle it, and the head fits into the bottom of the pelvis.

Again, totally guessing. Too lazy to google right now.

Ktbug613 · July 2013

TurtleMomma:
The left side deal has to do with your inferior vena cava [major vessel running from your lower half back up to your heart]. Its on the right side of your midline and by laying on your left side you keep all your internal junk from pressing down on it [which would inhibit blood flow returning to your heart, leading to things like increased swelling in your feet and legs].

awww you beat me!

magdalina.h · July 2013

It's more comfortable due to the shape of the uterus to be head down. Plus the same instinct for knowing hunger cues.

Michelle N · July 2013

I read awhile ago that it had to do with gravity, and their heads being the heaviest part of the body. I feel like a moron typing this though lol!

Ktbug613 · July 2013

I can't find anything reputable on google about turning...I don't think anyone really knows?

Mom2bois85 · July 2013

I actually gave birth lying on my left side just because it was the most comfortable position for me, I'm going to request it this time around as well :]

TurtleMomma · July 2013

Ktbug613:
TurtleMomma:
The left side deal has to do with your inferior vena cava [major vessel running from your lower half back up to your heart]. Its on the right side of your midline and by laying on your left side you keep all your internal junk from pressing down on it [which would inhibit blood flow returning to your heart, leading to things like increased swelling in your feet and legs].
 
awww you beat me! 

I win! :::fist pump:::

Ktbug613 · July 2013

magdalina.h:
It's more comfortable due to the shape of the uterus to be head down. Plus the same instinct for knowing hunger cues.

this would make sense that its just more comfortable.

Ktbug613 · July 2013

TurtleMomma:
Ktbug613:
TurtleMomma:
The left side deal has to do with your inferior vena cava [major vessel running from your lower half back up to your heart]. Its on the right side of your midline and by laying on your left side you keep all your internal junk from pressing down on it [which would inhibit blood flow returning to your heart, leading to things like increased swelling in your feet and legs].

awww you beat me!
I win! :::fist pump:::

bahaha

piperjayne · July 2013

Theusualmischief:
I was wondering about that the other day myself! Also, I know I just need to google it, but I've also been curious as to why the left side is so special? You always hear you should lay on your left side...
Whatever the reasons:

Haha, yes!

WildRumpus · July 2013

I have nothing else to contribute

katharine25 · July 2013

Michelle N:
I read awhile ago that it had to do with gravity, and their heads being the heaviest part of the body. I feel like a moron typing this though lol!

I seen this lots of places too. It confuses me though when you think of spinning baby techniques that say you should spend some time upside down to get them to turn (which hasn't worked for me yet). Honestly, It's actually pretty comfortable for me to have LO be posterior breech, he tends to kick not on major organs and such, and I don't have the pressure of his head bearing down on my cervix or bladder, no foot in my ribs or anything... but I'm MORE than ready for him to get in line at this point.

treehugginbride · July 2013

IMHO it's just good old-fashioned animal instinct- same way they know how to breath, suckle, and cry.

WaterWorth0102 · July 2013

TurtleMomma:
The left side deal has to do with your inferior vena cava [major vessel running from your lower half back up to your heart]. Its on the right side of your midline and by laying on your left side you keep all your internal junk from pressing down on it [which would inhibit blood flow returning to your heart, leading to things like increased swelling in your feet and legs].

You're so smart and helpful!! I'm going to call you MamaGoogle sorry, I'm sarcastic.

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