In plain words
Occiput posterior means the baby's head is facing the mother's front, with the back of the head pressing toward her spine. Some call this sunny side up or a back-to-back baby. Many babies move to a more usual position during labor. When they do not, labor can be longer, and the mother may feel strong pressure or pain in her lower back. Some mothers feel contractions most in their back. Position changes, movement, and hands-on support can help some mothers in labor. The position is common in and often corrects itself. It is a description, not a problem to be fixed on its own.
The deeper version
In occiput posterior presentation, the fetal occiput points toward the maternal sacrum, and descent proceeds with the fetal head in a deflexed or asynclitic pattern. The sacrum and sacroiliac ligaments receive increased load, producing low back pain. Many occiput posterior fetuses rotate spontaneously in labor, but persistent occiput posterior position is associated with longer labor, higher rates of operative delivery, and increased perineal trauma. and maternal positioning are used to modify pelvic dimensions and fetal rotation. Ultrasound confirmation is available, and clinicians differentiate occiput posterior from occiput anterior positions by examination and imaging.
Where it comes up
- Back labor and baby's positionGetting Ready for Birth
- What your partner does in laborGetting Ready for Birth
- Pushing and positions for birthGetting Ready for Birth
- Pain options: from breathing to epiduralGetting Ready for Birth
- The stages of labor, plainlyBirth and the First Days
What mothers here say about occiput posterior
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Sources
- Cunningham FG and colleagues — Williams Obstetrics, 26th edition (2022)