05/19/2026
The two most common positions when your baby is born:
OP Position (occiput posterior position):
When your baby is looking up at the p***c bone (the back of their head is against your back). Commonly known as “star-gazer.”
OA Position (occiput anterior position):
When your baby is looking down at the tailbone, with their face facing your back, so they are able to tuck their chin into their chest, and the occiput is the part that presents vaginally.
New research says there is no optimal fetal position at the onset of labor; it’s more so IN labor that matters.
This stresses the importance of movement in labor to help your baby get into an optimal position.
In fact, the stretching in your prenatal yoga classes can also help relax the uterine ligaments, which may help your baby get into a good position for birth.
We explore many yoga poses that may help get your baby in a better position for birth in the BirthPrep Yoga Course (especially important to practice in the 3rd trimester).
Did you know about these two common positions?
