Home / Glossary Occiput posterior presentation By Motherly Editors April 3, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Occiput posterior presentationFAQ: Occiput Posterior PresentationWhat is an occiput posterior presentation?How can occiput posterior presentation affect delivery?How is occiput posterior presentation diagnosed?How can occiput posterior presentation be managed or treated?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Table of Contents Toggle DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Occiput posterior presentationFAQ: Occiput Posterior PresentationWhat is an occiput posterior presentation?How can occiput posterior presentation affect delivery?How is occiput posterior presentation diagnosed?How can occiput posterior presentation be managed or treated?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Definition Occiput Posterior Presentation is a term used in obstetrics to describe the position of a baby in the womb, specifically when the baby is facing the mother’s abdomen with the back of its head (occiput) towards the mother’s posterior, or backside. This position can make labor more difficult and prolonged, as the baby’s head often struggles to fit through the mother’s pelvis. It is common for babies in this presentation to rotate before delivery, but if not, may require intervention like a cesarian section. Key Takeaways Occiput Posterior Presentation refers to a childbirth complication where the baby is facing forward with its skull towards the mother’s posterior (back). This position, also known as “sunny-side up”, contradicts the normal (anterior) position where the baby faces the mother’s spine. In this position, labour can be more difficult and prolonged as the baby’s head may not align well with the birth canal. It can cause back labour, a condition characterized by intense back pain during contractions. Therefore, medical interventions like cesarean sections or the use of forceps may be required. Occiput Posterior Presentation can still result in a normal vaginal birth process. However, it’s important for the mother to be monitored closely by healthcare professionals to ensure both her and the baby’s wellbeing during delivery. Techniques like maternal repositioning can sometimes promote rotation to the anterior position. Importance The term “Occiput Posterior Presentation” in motherhood is crucial as it refers to the position of a baby in the womb during childbirth where the baby’s head (occiput) faces towards the mother’s front (posterior) which is considered less favorable for vaginal delivery. In this positioning, the back of the baby’s head is against the mother’s back, leading to longer and more painful labor commonly referred to as “back labor”. It can also raise complications like instrumental delivery (forceps or vacuum), Cesarean delivery, episiotomy, third and fourth degree lacerations, and postpartum hemorrhage. In few cases, it can also lead to decreased heart rate in babies. Therefore, understanding the term helps healthcare professionals to anticipate potential risks onset, planning appropriate birthing procedures, minimizing discomfort, and ensuring the health and safety of both mother and the baby. Explanation Occiput posterior presentation, in the context of motherhood and childbirth, refers to an fetal position during the course of labor and delivery. This term is especially significant because it describes a situation where the baby is facing the mother’s abdomen, which is commonly known as a “sunny-side up” position. The word “occiput” pertains to the back part of the skull, and “posterior” means back or at the back. Therefore, the positioning indicates that the back of the baby’s skull is towards the mother’s back. This kind of positioning can be noteworthy for both mothers and healthcare providers as it can impact the labor and delivery process. The optimal position for a baby to be in for a smoother and more straightforward birth is usually occiput anterior, where the baby is facing the mother’s spine. In occiput posterior presentation, labor may be longer and more painful due to the baby’s head applying pressure on the mother’s sacrum. Additionally, this breath can lead to an increased likelihood of interventions, such as assisted vaginal birth or cesarean section. Thus, occiput posterior presentation is a term utilized largely to plan for potential challenges during labor and birth and to prepare for any necessary interventions to ensure the safety of mother and child. Examples of Occiput posterior presentation Example 1: A pregnant woman, Jane, visits her healthcare provider for a regular pregnancy checkup. Through ultrasound, the doctor identifies that the baby is in an occiput posterior presentation, meaning the baby’s head faces towards Jane’s abdomen instead of her back. This can lead to a more challenging labor and delivery, but Jane’s doctor reassures her that many babies turn just before or during labor. Example 2: During childbirth, Lisa started facing intense back labor. Upon examination, the midwife explained that this might be due to the occiput posterior presentation, where the baby’s head is down but facing towards her belly button rather than towards her spine. Lisa received instructive advice, such as changing positions during labor, in hope to help the baby rotate to a more optimal position. Example 3: Sarah had an unexpectedly prolonged labor with her first child. The baby was found to be in occiput posterior presentation – this is sometimes referred to as “sunny side up.” Despite some challenges, such as intense back pain and longer labor, with the aid of her healthcare provider, she eventually delivered a healthy baby. For her subsequent pregnancies, Sarah was more prepared and aware about the possibilities of different fetal presentations. FAQ: Occiput Posterior Presentation What is an occiput posterior presentation? An occiput posterior presentation, commonly referred to as the “sunny side up” position, refers to the position of the baby in the womb during labor and delivery in which the baby’s occipital bone (back of the skull) is facing the mother’s posterior or backside. How can occiput posterior presentation affect delivery? Occiput posterior presentation can make delivery more difficult and may lead to longer labor, more pain during labor, and increase the likelihood of injuries to the mother or baby. There is also an increased risk for interventions such as cesarean delivery or the use of forceps or vacuum during delivery. How is occiput posterior presentation diagnosed? A healthcare provider can often determine the position of the baby during a routine physical exam or through the use of ultrasound imaging. They may also be able to feel the position of the baby’s head during a vaginal examination during labor. How can occiput posterior presentation be managed or treated? If a baby is in the occiput posterior position, there are techniques that some mothers use to try to turn the baby before birth, such as specific exercises. During labor, healthcare providers may use certain positions to help the mother or maneuvers to try to turn the baby. Typically, a baby in this position can still be delivered vaginally, but the labor may be longer. Related Motherhood Terms Obstetrics Vaginal Birth Caesarean Section Cephalic Presentation Labour Pain Sources for More Information Mayo Clinic: A trusted source for medical information, Mayo Clinic’s official website contains a wealth of knowledge on various health topics including pregnancy and childbirth. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Official website of ACOG, a professional association of obstetricians and gynecologists in the United States. They provide reliable information about various aspects of pregnancy, including obstetric complications like occiput posterior presentation. Healthline: As one of the largest health information sites, Healthline offers a wide range of well-researched articles on numerous health topics, including occiput posterior presentation during childbirth. WebMD: WebMD is a trusted online source of medical information, providing comprehensive resources about various medical conditions and procedures, including childbirth. Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Occiput posterior presentationFAQ: Occiput Posterior PresentationWhat is an occiput posterior presentation?How can occiput posterior presentation affect delivery?How is occiput posterior presentation diagnosed?How can occiput posterior presentation be managed or treated?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information More terms Cervical mucus April 2, 2024 Afterpains April 2, 2024 Baby’s First Words February 26, 2024 Obstructed labor April 3, 2024 Chore Charts February 26, 2024