Horizontal pregnancy: What you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by MSc, Dr. Trinh Thi Thanh Huyen - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

Transverse pregnancy is rare, but it is a complicated and dangerous case. Pregnant women who have a horizontal position at birth will have difficulties in giving birth and 100% of women will be assigned to have a cesarean section because there is no mechanism for transvaginal delivery.

1. What is the horizontal position?

Horizontal pregnancy is the case where the body part such as the back, ribs, abdomen... of the fetus presents in front of the waist, blocking the cervix because it can only rotate halfway, so it is impossible to give birth through the vagina and have to have a caesarean section. This is a very rare type of pregnancy, accounting for only 1% of all types of pregnancy. When the fetus is full term, it is necessary to have an active cesarean section.
Some causes of horizontal fetal position can be:
One of the causes of horizontal pregnancy is the mother has uterine malformations, placenta previa, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, ... affects the normalization of the fetus. The mother's multiple pregnancy can also cause the fetus to lie horizontally Polyhydramnios, low amniotic fluid, or stillbirth May be due to the mother's curvy pelvis, narrow pelvis Consequences from pelvic surgery, causing fibrosis The umbilical cord is too short, causing the fetus to not rotate or rotate halfway, then it cannot rotate anymore. On the contrary, the umbilical cord is too long and wraps around the neck, which also prevents the fetus from turning its head Early birth is the cause and effect of the fetus in the shoulder position

2. Is the horizontal position okay?

The majority of pregnant women who are diagnosed with the horizontal position of the fetus are worried about whether the horizontal position is okay or dangerous. These questions are completely grounded because according to specialist doctors, the horizontal position of the fetus can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus, the reason is because:
Due to the horizontal position of the fetus blocking the uterus making childbirth more difficult for the mother. Due to the uneven pressure of the uterus, it is easy to develop premature rupture of the fetal membrane, sometimes the umbilical cord ruptures, and acute fetal distress, if not handled in time, can lead to the rupture of the uterus. The fetus can suffocate, unable to breathe and die before being able to come out. Therefore, in the case of a transverse pregnancy, pregnant women will not be encouraged to give birth vaginally. Instead, doctors will appoint an active cesarean section to ensure the safety of mother and baby.

3. What to do with the horizontal position?

When diagnosed with a transverse pregnancy, pregnant women should stay calm and follow the instructions and instructions of the specialist, should not be too worried because the cesarean section still ensures the safety of the baby. In addition, pregnant women need to be actively monitored in the last 3 months of pregnancy and rest in the last month to avoid premature rupture of membranes, causing danger to the fetus.

4. Diagnosis and treatment of horizontal fetal position

The easiest way to diagnose a transverse pregnancy is to observe the uterus, if the uterus is abnormally wide and transverse, think of the case of transverse position. In addition, vaginal examination during pregnancy shows a hollow pelvis or when there are signs of labor palpating the shoulder of the fetus, it also knows that the fetus has a transverse position.
How to handle the transverse position includes:
This is a pregnancy that cannot be delivered by natural methods, only by cesarean section. In addition, it is necessary to diagnose and detect early otherwise dangerous complications will arise. Your doctor may use endotracheal rotation. This method is carried out when the cervix is ​​open and the uterus does not have an old surgical scar. The procedure is done by inserting the hand into the uterus and turning the transverse position into the breech position, but vaginal delivery will also be difficult. Therefore, cesarean section in this case is still the safest for the mother and fetus.

Vinmec International General Hospital now offers a full package of maternity services to help pregnant women feel secure during pregnancy thanks to the companionship of a team of qualified and experienced medical professionals.
When choosing Maternity package at Vinmec, pregnant women will receive:
Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormal problems during pregnancy The pregnancy process will be monitored by a team of good doctors Professional, experienced Maternity package will help facilitate the birthing process Newborns will be taken care of.
For more information, please contact the Hospitals and clinics. Vinmec health care system nationwide

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