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Ask A Doula
Questions and Answer

Q.This is my first baby and I would like to know if it is common to have the baby head down at week 31. Does it mean that I am going to have an early delivery? Would it be possible for the baby to turn his head the other direction at later week?

A. Congratulations on your first pregnancy. It is common to have a baby head down at 31 weeks. Since the head is the heaviest part of the baby, chances are that the head will stay down. It does not mean that you are going to have an early delivery. I think you are confusing head down position, which you have, with the head being engaged in the pelvis, which you probably do not have. Once the head is down it does usually stay down, and that is a good thing. If the head is engaged in the pelvis, birth is not emminent, but, it is a sign that baby is getting ready. Many first time mothers will feel this dropping into the pelvis as a relief, as breathing becomes much easier. You may walk around like this for weeks before labor. Check to see if the head is down, or, if it is engaged. Knowing the difference will help you to relax and then ask more questions.

Ilana Stein has been working professionally with pregnant women since 1983 as a childbirth educator, labor assistant and breastfeeding consultant. She was originally certified by the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (The Bradley Method), The Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), and Doulas of North America (DONA). She teachs the ALACE Labor Assistant training workshop nationwide. She has spoken at conferences and at the New York University Graduate Program in Midwifery about labor support. She is a Positive Pregnancy and Parenting Fitness (PPPF) instructor and La Leche League Leader. She is also a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor at the local YMCA. She volunteers as the coordinator of the annual New York Area YM-YWCA Women’s Wellness Weekend.