Home / Glossary Transverse By Motherly Editors April 3, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of TransverseTransverse and Motherhood FAQWhat does 'transverse' mean in pregnancy?Is a transverse position common?What causes a baby to be in the transverse position?Is it safe to give birth to a baby in the transverse position?Can the baby's position be changed if they're in the transverse lie?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Table of Contents Toggle DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of TransverseTransverse and Motherhood FAQWhat does 'transverse' mean in pregnancy?Is a transverse position common?What causes a baby to be in the transverse position?Is it safe to give birth to a baby in the transverse position?Can the baby's position be changed if they're in the transverse lie?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Definition In the context of motherhood, transverse refers to a fetal position where the baby is lying sideways across the uterus, rather than the normal head-down position. This position is usually discovered late into the pregnancy. It can lead to complications during delivery and often results in a cesarean section. Key Takeaways The term “Transverse” in motherhood relates to the position of the baby in the womb. If a baby is lying in a transverse position, it means that the baby is lying horizontally across the uterus rather than being head down. The transverse position could pose complications during delivery. The majority of babies begin to adopt the head-down position by the 36th week of the pregnancy and if a baby remains in a transverse lie and labour starts, a cesarean section might become necessary. Various techniques and exercises such as pelvic tilts or using a birthing ball can help to encourage the baby to move from the transverse position into the head-down one, easing the process of labor and birth. It’s always best to consult a health professional about these methods. Importance The term “transverse” in motherhood or obstetrics is significant as it refers to one of the possible positions a fetus can be in within the uterus during pregnancy, particularly towards the end of the term. In a transverse lie, the baby’s head is at one side of the mother’s womb while its feet are on the opposite side, essentially meaning the baby is lying horizontally. This position may pose a risk during normal vaginal delivery due to the potential complications it may cause, like cord prolapse or shoulder dystocia. It is thus vital for healthcare providers to monitor and manage pregnancies where the baby is in a transverse position to ensure both the baby’s and mother’s safety. Explanation The term “transverse” in the context of motherhood typically refers to the positioning of a fetus during childbirth, specifically a transverse lie. The purpose of recognizing and understanding this term is primarily for healthcare providers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both mother and child during labor and delivery. A transverse lie is when the baby is positioned horizontally in the womb, instead of vertically, which is the ideal way for a natural birth. Detecting this position early can help prepare for a potentially complicated delivery. This positioning is crucial to identify because babies who are in a transverse lie can’t be delivered vaginally. In such a situation, health care practitioners often adopt alternative strategies like turning the baby in utero, or plan for a cesarean section to avoid the risk associated with attempting a vaginal birth. The term “transverse” therefore, helps in identifying this special situation and addressing it so that the mother and baby remain safe. It underscores the importance of prenatal check-ups, as this information about the baby’s positioning can be crucial in determining the safest method of delivery. Examples of Transverse “Transverse” typically refers to something situated or extending across something else, such as a line, path, or direction. It’s commonly used in medical, geographical, or engineering contexts, but its usage in the context of motherhood isn’t standard. However, in the broad field of maternal health, there are a few instances where “transverse” could apply: Transverse Position: In childbirth, the term ‘transverse’ is often used to describe the position of a baby in the womb. A baby is in transverse lie if it’s horizontally positioned, meaning their shoulder or back is aligned with the mother’s abdomen, rather than their head or bottom. This is a real-world example where the term is used, often resulting in the necessity for a C-section. Transverse Myelitis: This is a health condition that some mothers grapple with during or after pregnancy. Transverse myelitis is an inflammation of the spinal cord, which can result in pain, muscle weakness, and abnormal sensations, and in some severe cases, it can affect a mother’s physical ability to take care of her child. Transversus Abdominis: Postpartum fitness is another area where we might talk about ‘transverse’. The transversus abdominis is a significant muscle which wraps around the abdomen and can be weakened during pregnancy. A lot of postpartum workouts focus on strengthening this muscle to help new mothers regain their core strength post-delivery. Transverse and Motherhood FAQ What does ‘transverse’ mean in pregnancy? Transverse refers to the position of the baby in the womb. If a baby is transverse, it means they are lying horizontally or sideways across the uterus, rather than in the usual head-down position. Is a transverse position common? No, a transverse position is not very common. Most babies will move into the head-down (cephalic) position by the time labor starts. Only about 1 in every 2,500 babies remain in the transverse position when labor starts. What causes a baby to be in the transverse position? There are several potential causes for a transverse lie, which include: having given birth several times in the past, having a womb with an unusual shape, or having a low-lying placenta (placenta previa). Is it safe to give birth to a baby in the transverse position? No, it is not safe to deliver a baby that is in the transverse position vaginally. C-sections are usually planned for this reason, in order to prevent a potentially dangerous labor. Can the baby’s position be changed if they’re in the transverse lie? Yes, there are methods to facilitate the baby to change its position if it’s in transverse lie. For example, an external cephalic version (ECV) can be attempted. It’s a procedure where gently pushing and turning the baby from the outside of your abdomen is done. Related Motherhood Terms Breech Position C-Section Obstetrics Uterine Contractions Maternal Health Sources for More Information Mayo Clinic: This renowned medical institution provides a vast array of health information, including motherhood topics and conditions like transverse lie. WebMD: They offer in-depth medical articles that cover a wide range of health subjects including pregnancy and different birth positions. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): A professional organization for obstetricians and gynecologists, where you can find valuable information related to pregnancy complications, such as transverse position. NHS (National Health Service) UK: The UK’s largest health website provides a comprehensive set of health information, including details about pregnancy and childbirth. Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of TransverseTransverse and Motherhood FAQWhat does 'transverse' mean in pregnancy?Is a transverse position common?What causes a baby to be in the transverse position?Is it safe to give birth to a baby in the transverse position?Can the baby's position be changed if they're in the transverse lie?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information More terms Sensory Processing February 26, 2024 Nature Exploration Activities February 26, 2024 Ultrasound April 3, 2024 Hypertonic April 2, 2024 Triple screen April 3, 2024