Cephalic presentation
Cephalic presentation means your baby is lying head-down in the uterus, which is the ideal and most common position for birth. The baby's head is closest to your cervix and will lead the way through the birth canal during labour. Most babies naturally settle into this position by 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy as the heaviest part of their body, the head, gravitates downward. Cephalic presentation gives you the best chance of a straightforward vaginal delivery. Your midwife or doctor will confirm the baby's position at antenatal appointments through abdominal palpation and, if needed, an ultrasound scan.
What This Means for You
Understanding Cephalic presentation is an important part of your late pregnancy/birth journey. When preparing for birth, understanding this term helps you discuss your birth preferences with your midwife or OB-GYN and know what to expect in the delivery room.
Explore our Birth & Labour guideGood to Know
About 96 percent of babies at term are in the cephalic position, so this is the expected finding at your 36-week check. If your baby is not cephalic at that point, your care team will discuss next steps with you.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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