From the Research
To diagnose a transverse fetal lie at 33 weeks of gestation, a healthcare provider's examination using Leopold's maneuvers or ultrasound confirmation is the most reliable method. Paying attention to where you feel movements and kicks can also provide clues, as a transverse lie may result in kicks and movements on both sides of the abdomen rather than at the top or bottom. Your abdomen may appear wider rather than protruding outward, and you might notice discomfort under your ribs on both sides. However, these signs are not definitive and should be confirmed by a healthcare provider.
Importance of Confirmation
It's essential to confirm the baby's position through a healthcare provider's examination or ultrasound, as a transverse lie can increase the risk of complications during delivery. According to a study published in 2025 1, routine ultrasound examination at 35+0 to 36+6 weeks' gestation can improve pregnancy outcomes by reducing the risk of unexpected abnormal presentation in labor.
Monitoring and Next Steps
At 33 weeks, there's still time for the baby to move into a head-down position before delivery, so there's no need for immediate concern. If the transverse lie persists closer to the due date (after 36 weeks), the provider may discuss options like external cephalic version to turn the baby or plan for a cesarean delivery if needed. Regular prenatal appointments are crucial to monitor the baby's position as you approach your due date.
Evidence-Based Practice
A study published in 2025 1 found that multivariable analysis demonstrated that the likelihood of non-cephalic presentation at the 36-week scan, successful external cephalic version, and spontaneous rotation from non-cephalic to cephalic presentation was affected by several maternal and pregnancy characteristics. However, the predictive performance for these events was poor, with the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve ranging from 0.608 to 0.717. This highlights the importance of regular monitoring and individualized care.
Key Takeaways
- A healthcare provider's examination or ultrasound confirmation is the most reliable method to diagnose a transverse fetal lie.
- Regular prenatal appointments are essential to monitor the baby's position as you approach your due date.
- If the transverse lie persists, options like external cephalic version or cesarean delivery may be discussed.
- Evidence-based practice should guide decision-making, taking into account individual maternal and pregnancy characteristics.