Tips for Encouraging Baby Descent During Labor (38 Weeks)

Question
I would like a little advice please if you can help me.  Is there anything I can do besides walking to help the baby drop into my pelvis/birth canal.  I was admitted yesterday to the hospital, but upon examination, the baby moved back up..  I am currently 38 weeks preganant and dilated to 1 cm.  If there is anything else I can do to help her move back down, I would appreciate any help. Thank you

Answer
Often, it can appear the baby is moving back up when you are examined, simply because you are lying down.  It is quite possible that when you are standing the baby is firmly engaged.  Remember that internal examinations do not provide any useful information at this stage, or during labor and delivery.  Dilation and effacement mean nothing, and babies can even wait until just before birth to engage.  You could still have four weeks to go, so be patient.  If you want to encourage good positioning, check out www.spinningbabies.com for more information on optimal fetal positioning.  Practice pelvic rocks several times a day, stay off the couch and out of recliners, and practice deep squats.  And relax; stress only delays labor.