A breech baby is one that is not in the head down position inside the womb. Approximately 3.5% of babies are breech at 37 weeks gestation.
Breech Factors
Factors that increase the chance of having a breech baby include:
- Prematurity.
- Abnormalities or growths in the uterus.
- Abnormalities in the fetus.
- Multiple babies.
- Multiple births.
- Excessive amniotic fluid.
Types of Breech Positions
There are three types of breech positions:
- Flank Breech. The hips are flexed and knees are extended (pike position).
- Complete Breech. The hips and knees are both flexed (cannoball position).
- Footling or Incomplete Breech. One or both hips are extended.
Ways to Get a Breech Baby to Turn
There are various ways to attempt to get a baby to turn head first. These include:
- Pelvic Raises. Lay down on the floor and raise your pelvis in the air about nine inches above the ground. Support your pelvis with a pillow and remain in this position for 5-15 minutes a day. You can also get on your hands and knees and stick your butt up in the air.
- Hypnosis. This involves releasing tension, fear, and anxiety. Women are often asked why their baby is in a breech position.
- Cold. Placing a cold item (ice bag, bag of frozen peas) against the skin where the baby’s head is – often causes them to move away from the cold.
- Music/Light. Playing music or shining a light at the pubic bone often causes the baby to move in that direction.
- Swimming/Diving. Swimming and diving often encourages the baby to move upward (toward the pelvis in this inverted position). Swimming is safe while pregnant, but speak to your physician or midwife before diving into a pool.
- Acupressure. The breech point is said to be on the little toe, on the outside of the nail. The Chinese method involves using a Moxa stick to apply pressure on the point. Please speak to your physician or midwife before attempting this.
- Homeopathics. Many women take pulsatilla to cause their uterus muscles to even out. Please speak to your phsyician or midwife before using this method.
External Cephalic Version
An external cephalic version is a method where your physician or midwife will attempt to turn the baby manually. She will apply pressure to the abdominal wall and manipulate the baby in an attempt to turn it head down. The procedure is typically done after 36 weeks, but before you go into labor. An external cephalic version works more than 50% of the time, but sometimes the baby will turn back to a breech position. The procedure will be done along with an ultrasound, and will be done in or near a labor and delivery facility in case an emergency develops.
How do I Give Birth to a Breech Baby?
If your baby remains breech, you have the choice (if your physician allows) of attempting to give birth vaginally or having a caeserean section. In 2000 research was conducted that said that breech babies are much less likely to die or be born with complications if they are delivered via a caeserean section. Some doctors and midwives continue to challenge this study and state that a vaginal delivery is safe if special precautions and skills are used. If a woman has a history of giving birth to breech babies, or delivering large babies, your doctor is more apt to agree to a vaginal birth. You’ll want to discuss all methods and choices with your physician or midwife as your due date approaches.
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