Guide to Breech birth
A breech baby is a baby who sits upright in your uterus rather than head-down.
Around three per cent of babies are in the breech position when their moms go into labor (often premature infants are breech because they’ve not yet turned into a head-down position).
Although plenty of women have had successful vaginal deliveries with their breech babies under the care of experienced doctors and nurse-midwives, it does pose more of a problem than a vaginal birth with a baby who’s in the ideal head-down position.
The issues
Your baby gets his oxygen through the umbilical cord until he emerges to take his first breath. If he’s coming out bottom first, it’s possible the cord can slip down into the birth canal and become trapped, reducing your baby’s oxygen supply. With this in mind, many OB-GYNs recommend a cesarean section for breech babies, especially if you go into labor before 37 weeks.
If you do choose to deliver naturally, you’re likely to need an episiotomy so your baby has plenty of room to emerge. There’s evidence that shows giving birth on all-fours can give your breech baby more room. Each mom and baby are different, and you and your baby will be individually assessed to see whether it is safe for you to deliver vaginally. You may feel disappointed if you’re advised to have a cesarean, but your OB-GYN bases her advice on the safety of your baby.
Can my baby be turned before he’s born?
Your OB-GYN may try to turn your baby around using a technique called external cephalic version (ECV). You’ll need to have gotten to 37 weeks pregnant and have had no complications throughout your pregnancy. The procedure has a success rate of around 58 per cent but success doesn’t guarantee your baby won’t turn back round again. If you’re carrying twins or have had any bleeding during your pregnancy, you can’t have ECV.
During an ECV, your OB-GYN will check your baby’s position on ultrasound and manipulate your abdomen in an attempt to turn your baby. You may be given drugs to relax your uterus, as this can make the procedure easier. It can be uncomfortable and does carry some risks – it can cause a baby’s heart rate to drop or the placenta to detach – but these are rare. As a precaution, you’ll have the ECV in hospital with access to an operating theater in case your OB-GYN needs to perform an emergency cesarean. Never try to turn your baby yourself – this procedure must be performed by a skilled medical professional.
Methods you can try at home
There are methods of turning your baby which some women swear by. Here are some of the top home methods for encouraging your baby to turn head down.
Knee-chest position
In a study of 71 breech babies, 65 of them turned when their mothers adopted the knee-chest position several times a day. Kneel beside your bed and lean forward so your chest and shoulders rest on the mattress for 15 minutes every two hours for five days.
All-fours position
Spend time in the all-fours position, rocking back and forwards.
Lie down
Lie on your back with your feet propped on pillows so they’re higher than your head.
Music
Play music to your lower abdomen or between your legs (!) to encourage your baby to move to the head-down position.
Follow the light
Shine a flashlight towards your lower abdomen to see if your baby will turn to investigate the light.
Partners can help
Ask your partner to place their mouth close to your abdomen and talk in a soothing voice, asking your baby to move head down.
Visualization
Visualizing your baby turning head down in your womb may help him turn. Speak softly to your baby and ask him to turn for you.
Moxibustion
This Chinese medicine technique is related to acupuncture and involves burning herbs in order to stimulate pressure points. This is believed to increase your baby’s activity levels and encourage him to turn. Consult a registered practitioner.
Frozen veg
This was recommended to gurgle by a nurse-midwife! Put a bag of frozen peas on your tummy where you think your baby's head is. Your baby might move away from the cold and hopefully to a head-down position.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 07/05/2007
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