Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCauses and Risk FactorsDiagnosisDeliveryTurning the FetusComplicationsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes and Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Delivery
Turning the Fetus
Complications
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, a transverse fetus will turn itself into the head-down position before you go into labor. Other times, a healthcare provider may be able to turn the position.
If a transverse fetus can’t be turned to the right position before birth, you’re likely to have a cesarean section (C-section).
Marko Geber / Getty Images
An estimated 2% to 13% of babies are in an unfavorable position atdelivery—meaning they’re not in thehead-down position.
Certain physiological issues can lead to a transverse fetal lie. These include:
Several risk factors can make it more likely for the fetus to be in a transverse lie, such as:
Transversefetal positioningis also more common after your first pregnancy.
It’s not uncommon for a fetus to be in a transverse position during the earlier stages of pregnancy. In most cases, though, they shift on their own well before labor begins.The transverse fetal position doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms.
You may also discover a transverse fetal lie during a routine ultrasound.
Timing of Transverse Position DiagnosisThe ultrasound done at your 36-week checkup lets your healthcare provider see the fetal position as you get closer to labor and delivery. If it’s still a transverse lie at that time, your medical team will look at options for the safest labor and delivery.
Timing of Transverse Position Diagnosis
The ultrasound done at your 36-week checkup lets your healthcare provider see the fetal position as you get closer to labor and delivery. If it’s still a transverse lie at that time, your medical team will look at options for the safest labor and delivery.
Approximately 97% of deliveries involve a fetus positioned with the head down, in the best position to slide out. That makes a vaginal delivery easier and safer.
A transverse position only happens in about 1% of deliveries. In that position, the shoulder, arm, or trunk of the fetus may present first.This isn’t a good scenario for either of you because a vaginal delivery is nearly impossible.
In these cases, you have two options:
If the fetus is in a transverse lie late in pregnancy, you or your healthcare provider may be able to change the position. Turning into the proper head-down position may help you avoid a C-section.
Medical Options
A healthcare provider can use one of the following techniques to attempt re-positioning a fetus:
A 2020 study reported a 100% success rate for trained practitioners who used turning to change a transverse fetal lie.Real-world success rates are closer to 60%.
At-Home Options
You may be able to encourage a move out of the transverse position at home. You can try:
These methods may or may not work for you. While there’s anecdotal evidence that they sometimes work, they haven’t been researched.
Talk to your healthcare provider before attempting any of these techniques to ensure you’re not doing anything unsafe.
Can Babies Go Back to Transverse After Being Turned?Even if the fetus does change position or is successfully moved, it is possible that it could return to a transverse position prior to delivery.
Can Babies Go Back to Transverse After Being Turned?
Even if the fetus does change position or is successfully moved, it is possible that it could return to a transverse position prior to delivery.
Whether your child is born via C-section or is successfully moved so you can have a vaginal delivery, potential complications remain.
Cesarean Sections
C-sections are extremely common and are generally safe for both you and the fetus. Still, some inherent risks are associated with the procedure, as there are with any surgery.
The transverse position can force the surgeon to make a different type of incision, as the fetal lie may be right where they’d usually cut.Possible C-section complications for you can include:
Vaginal Delivery
If the fetus is successfully moved out of the transverse lie position, you’ll likely be able to deliver it vaginally. However, a few complications are possible even after the fetus has been moved:
Studies suggest that ECV is safe, effective, and may help lower the C-section rate.
Planning Ahead
As with any birth, if you experience a transverse fetal position, you should work with your healthcare provider to develop a delivery plan. If the transverse position has been maintained throughout the pregnancy, the medical team will evaluate the position at about 36 weeks and make plans accordingly.
Remember that even if the fetal head is down late in pregnancy, things can change quickly during labor and delivery. That means it’s worthwhile to discuss options for different types of delivery in case they become necessary.
Summary
If the fetus is in this position near the time of delivery, the options are to turn it to make vaginal delivery possible or to have a C-section. A trained healthcare provider can use turning techniques. You may also be able to get the fetus to turn at home with some simple techniques.
A Word From Verywell
Pregnancy comes with many unknowns, and the surprises can continue up through labor and delivery.
Talking to your healthcare provider early on about possible scenarios can give you time to think about possible outcomes. This helps to avoid a situation where you’re considering risks and benefits during labor when quick decisions need to be made.
Less than 1% of babies are born in the transverse position. In many cases, a doctor might recommend a cesarian delivery to ensure a more safe delivery. The risk of giving birth in the transverse lie position is greater before a due date or if twins or triplets are also born.
A planned cesarian section, or C-section, is typically performed in the 39th week of gestation. This is done so the fetus is given enough time to grow and develop so that it is healthy.
In some cases, a doctor may perform an external cephalic version (ECV) to change a transverse fetal lie. This involves the doctor using their hands to apply firm pressure to the abdomen so the fetus is moved into the cephalic (head-down) position.Most attempts of ECV are successful, but there is a chance the fetus can move back to its previous position; in these cases, a doctor can attempt ECV again.
In some cases, a doctor may perform an external cephalic version (ECV) to change a transverse fetal lie. This involves the doctor using their hands to apply firm pressure to the abdomen so the fetus is moved into the cephalic (head-down) position.
Most attempts of ECV are successful, but there is a chance the fetus can move back to its previous position; in these cases, a doctor can attempt ECV again.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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