What does LOA mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Left OccipitoAnterior (LOA) is a type of fetal presentation during birth where the baby is positioned in the mother's uterus with its face and head facing down, back towards the mother's left side. The back of the baby's head is towards the front of the mother’s belly.

LOA can be beneficial for mothers during labor because it creates an easier passage for the baby to travel through and pass into the birth canal due to a larger opening area at the front of the birth canal. This helps reduce labor time making it shorter and less painful for women giving birth.

Generally speaking, this type of fetal presentation does not pose any greater risks than other presentations do. If there is cause for concern about how your baby may be positioned in your womb prior to or during delivery, it is important to consult with your doctor.

Yes, there are some suggestions including pelvic tilts, squatting exercises, yoga poses like cat-cow stretch, practicing hip circles and taking walks that may help encourage a LOA position in utero. Discuss these possibilities with your physician before attempting any physical activity while pregnant.

It may be necessary to perform an external cephalic version (ECV), which involves manually rotating your baby from its current position into a better birthing option such as LOA if medically feasible and safe for both you and your child at this stage in pregnancy. Your physician will perform an ultrasound examination beforehand and then make recommendation accordingly.

ECV can be successful up until 33 weeks gestation; however success rates are higher if performed earlier on in pregnancy - ideally between 34-37 weeks gestation. It is important to note that ECV cannot be done following 38 weeks gestation or after labor begins.

Yes, doctors often recommend careful monitoring as ROA positions can create more difficulty during delivery such as increased risk for shoulder dystocia and longer labor times among other risks associated with ROAs. This may involve extra ultrasounds or consulting specialists depending on individual circumstances.

It may still be possible for you doctor/obstetrician to manually rotate you baby from ROAs into left occopto anterior(LOA) which increases chances of having safe vaginal delivery; however caregivers must weigh out risks versus benefits before deciding whether or not external cephalic version should take place at any given time.