What does it mean in this book?

Question

In the book, a Year of Wonders (by Geraldine brooks.) A baby was going to be born, but it said it was crosswise so they had to fix it. What do they mean by crosswise? The book takes place in the late 1600s. Is it bad for a baby to be born with its feet first? Is that what crosswise means?

Answer 1

What your describing seems to refer to Breech position of birth.  It is when a baby is born feet first.  This position during birth can pose risks such as oxygen depravation for the baby, for the head to be trapped in the cervix, and sometimes for the umbilical cord to be wrapped around the babys head.  All in all, this is a risky position for a baby.

Answer 2

A baby should be born head first.  Crosswise is when the baby is sidways in the mother.  So she won't be able to push it out.  So the went in and positioned the baby right.  I hope I helped you, good luck!

FSMS

Answer 3

do not know the book but I know that sometimes a baby can be in a Tranverse position, basically they are laying across the uterus. The feet first is called breech, it would not be "cross" it is basically upside down from how a baby is normally born head down. So the baby had to be rotated.

Answer 4

Think of Gravity, up and down. Feet first or head first.  Crosswise is Side to side, not a good way to be.  Picture a cross. +  up and down, or crosswise.  If you don't understand that now, sorry, I give up.

Answer 5

Breech birth.  Feet first.