P01.7: Fetus and newborn affected by malpresentation before labour

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.

The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The umbilical cord connects the child to the placenta.

The child being in an unusual position in the womb can cause problems with the umbilical cord. For example, the umbilical cord can get squeezed in the womb by part of the child's body. The umbilical cord can also get knotted up if the child changes position frequently. When there are problems with the umbilical cord the child may not get a sufficient supply of oxygen.

If the child is lying in an unusual position in the womb, there may be made an attempt to turn it around in the womb before it is born. This is done using certain manual interventions. In so doing, the placenta can get damaged or detach from the womb. The child may then no longer be adequately supplied with oxygen and nutrients. If the supply to the child is inadequate, its health can be harmed.