Changing fetal position through maternal posturing

Abstract

Two completed studies and a study in progress have addressed the question whether maternal posturing can produce the rotation of a fetus from a posterior or transverse position to the optimal anterior position. There are clinical problems associated with a malposition and also with the therapeutic procedures used to correct the malposition. Maternal posturing is considered safe, simple, economic, and noninvasive. There is a sound rationale for the choice of the hands and knees posture and the variations used to facilitate fetal rotation. Two studies indicate the effectiveness of maternal posturing. The physical theories of gravity, buoyancy, and friction are used to explain the postures, the fetus, and fetal rotation. The results of the second study are explained with the same physical theories. A current study about maternal postures and fetal position is in progress.