preterm labor at 20 weeks would babies head be down?

[butterfly5]

Since Saturday I have had maybe once or twice a day a spell of menstrual type cramps (mild not bad but enough to be uncomfy). Anyway yesterday I rang triage and spoke to a midwife because these cramps and lower back ache were annoying me and worrying. She advised to take a warm bath, some paracetamol and then give it 2 hrs and to ring back if worse or wont ease up.

After the bath and tablets it did ease. I had my 20 week scan today which went well and baby would not stop moving around.

I have come home and started some periody/upset tummy type of cramps again on and off.

I have midwife at 9 am tomorrow.

Do you think if it was preterm labour baby would be head down?

 

[JJWEBB]

At 20 weeks, the baby is only 6 1/2 inches long. The baby is still swimming all around in there. Once they get too large to move around, then that is when they go in the head down position.

Just curious, why do you want to know if they would be head down?

 

[butterfly5]

well if it was premature labour surely wouldnt the head have to be down?

I am so so scared....pain eased off now but I cant do this for another 4 weeks to viability

 

[JJWEBB]

Im not sure. But to me, since they are so small, they wouldn’t need to be head down to come out. Im really not sure. Im so sorry youre so worried and going through that.

What do your cramps feel like? For me, from about 7 weeks to 20+ I would get a dull ache in my abdomen and back every few weeks, which was just my uterus stretching/growing. Could it be that? From what ive read, if they are not a rythmic contraction/pain, and its not accompanied by blood, you should be fine. Sending good thoughts your way.

 

[butterfly5]

thank you it is not rhythmic and not blood x

 

[Eleanor ace]

Did the midwife confirm it was preterm labour? Or are you just worried it might be?
I would think that even if you were in preterm labour LO wouldn't have to be head down, as people go into labour with breach or transverse babies, plus at 20 weeks LO is s small they wouldn't be in a fixed position.
Good luck at your appointment!

 

[MaisyMay]

I would say if you're ever concerned go and get checked out and no baby does not have to be head down to go into labour. I'm not trying to scare you, but I just think it's best to see a doctor when your worried about something in pregnancy x x

 

[butterfly5]

no more pains and seeing midwife in morning x