O32: Maternal care for known or suspected malpresentation of fetus

O32.4: Maternal care for high head at term

In the final weeks of pregnancy, the child turns to the birth position. The child’s head then normally points downwards and lies in the mother’s pelvis. The child’s face usually faces the mother’s back and the child’s head is bent towards its chest. The child’s back is turned to the right or left side of the mother.

If the child is not lying with its head in the mother’s pelvis, this can cause problems and, for example, make the birth take longer or make a Caesarean necessary.