As you may have noticed from your baby’s energetic movements, there’s plenty of space (or shall we say, wiggle room?) in the uterus for your little one to flip and bounce around. However, as your baby grows and space becomes limited, changing positions becomes more challenging. Fortunately, most babies turn head-down by around 36 weeks of pregnancy, positioning themselves for delivery. But what does it mean if your baby is in a breech position?
First off, there’s no need to panic. Just because your baby is currently breech doesn’t mean a vaginal birth is out of the question. Let’s explore what this position indicates and what steps you can take.
What Does It Mean If Your Baby Is Breech?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, a breech baby is one whose buttocks or feet are positioned to be delivered first. This occurs in about three out of 25 full-term deliveries, which equates to around three to four percent of all pregnancies.
Types of Breech Positions:
There are three primary types of breech positions:
- Complete Breech
In this position, your baby’s bottom is facing down toward the birth canal, with their legs folded at the knees, resembling a criss-cross applesauce position. - Frank Breech
If your doctor mentions frank breech, it means your baby’s bottom is pointing downwards as with complete breech, but their legs are extended straight up in front of their body, with feet near their head. - Footling Breech
As the name implies, in this scenario, one or both of your baby’s feet are positioned downwards, meaning they would be delivered first if the position remains unchanged.
Additionally, there are variations of breech positions, including:
- Incomplete Breech
Here, only one of your baby’s legs is tucked beneath their bottom. - Transverse Lie
Also known as shoulder presentation, this rare position has your baby lying horizontally in the uterus.
What Causes a Breech Position?
It’s unclear why some babies find the right position while others remain breech. Some factors thought to contribute include:
- Previous pregnancies
- Carrying multiples
- Placenta previa, which may cover part of the uterus opening
- An abnormally shaped uterus or the presence of fibroids
- Abnormal amniotic fluid levels
- Being a preterm baby
How Does a Breech Baby Feel?
You might sense your baby is breech through belly mapping or by feeling kicks directed at your bladder. However, you’ll likely need your healthcare provider to confirm the position. If there’s concern, they may order an ultrasound for verification.
How to Encourage Your Breech Baby to Turn
If you have time before delivery and your pregnancy is low-risk, there are several methods to potentially turn your baby. A medical option is an external cephalic version (ECV), where a doctor applies external pressure to turn the baby, typically done in a hospital after an ultrasound confirms the breech position.
Many mothers also swear by natural methods, including:
- Pelvic tilts
- Inversion techniques
- Acupuncture
- Using stimulating music
Using Sleeping Positions to Help Turn a Breech Baby
Yes! Simply changing your sleeping position could assist in turning your breech baby. By resting on your side and alternating sides during naps, you can promote flexibility in your pelvis, making it easier for your baby to turn. This is a natural, non-invasive approach to take.
Does Breech Presentation Indicate a Problem?
Relax! Breech presentation itself isn’t usually a cause for major concern, provided you maintain regular communication with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy. While there may be slight risks involved, your doctor will guide you on the safest options if breech becomes problematic.
Signs Indicating a Breech Baby
For an accurate assessment, consult your doctor. However, if you’re curious, here are some signs to consider:
- A noticeable bulge in your rib cage may indicate your baby’s bottom.
- If you don’t feel the sensation of “lightening,” where the baby’s head settles into the pelvis, it could suggest your baby is still breech.
- Intense kicks in your side may indicate a feet-first position.
Labor Options with a Breech Baby
Generally, medical professionals do not recommend vaginal delivery for breech babies. Instead, a cesarean section is often the suggested option.
What Is a Cesarean Section Like?
C-sections are common and not solely performed for breech babies. They may also occur for multiple births or if the baby is in distress. The procedure involves a deep incision in the abdomen and a second incision in the uterus to deliver the baby.
This overview should ease some concerns about breech positioning. For more information, you can check out one of our other blog posts here and learn more from Intracervical Insemination, an authority on this topic. Additionally, CCRM IVF provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Potential Search Queries:
- What are the types of breech positions?
- Can a breech baby turn before delivery?
- What are the risks of having a breech baby?
- What is an external cephalic version?
- How to tell if my baby is breech?
Summary:
Having a breech baby can be concerning, but it’s important to remember that many babies turn head-down as delivery approaches. Understanding the different breech positions, potential causes, and options for turning the baby can help alleviate anxiety. Maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is key to navigating this phase of pregnancy successfully.