In this article:
What is a Breech Baby?
A breech baby is when your baby is positioned with their feet or bottom facing down towards the vagina instead of their head. This means your baby’s head is up and not in the birth canal. Most babies naturally turn head-down, but some stay breech even close to delivery. In such cases, your delivery options may change, and special care might be needed for a safe birth.What are the Various Breech Positions?
There are four main types of breech positions:- Frank breech: Here, your baby’s bottom points toward the vagina, with legs stretched upward and feet near the face.
- Complete breech: In this position, the bottom points down, and your baby sits cross-legged with knees and hips bent.
- Footling breech: In this case, one or both feet point downward and may come out first.
- Transverse lie: Here, the baby lies sideways in the uterus, with the shoulder aiming toward the vagina.
What Causes a Baby to be Breech?
Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly why a baby ends up in a breech position. Many babies turn head-down on their own by the last weeks of pregnancy, but some don’t. Certain factors can increase the chances of your baby staying breech. These factors may include:- Multiple pregnancies: Twins or more may leave less room for each baby to turn.
- Previous pregnancies: Having been pregnant before can increase the chance of breech.
- Uterus shape: An unusual shape or conditions like fibroids can limit the turning space.
- Placenta previa: A low-lying placenta may block the baby’s head from moving down.
- Amniotic fluid levels: Too much or too little fluid affects how easily your baby moves.
- Preterm birth: Babies born early may not have had time to turn head-down.
- Foetal conditions: Certain health issues can prevent the baby from flipping.
What Are the Risks of a Breech Pregnancy?
A breech pregnancy usually isn’t risky until delivery. The main concerns happen during birth, as breech babies face more challenges getting through the birth canal. Here are some possible complications you should know:- The baby’s head may get stuck during delivery.
- The umbilical cord can twist or flatten, cutting off oxygen.
- Risk of arm or leg injuries, like dislocation or fractures.
- Higher chance of cord prolapse (cord slips into the vagina before the baby).
- Increased need for a C-section to ensure safety.
How to Know if the Baby is Breech?
Your baby isn’t usually considered breech until around 35 to 36 weeks. Before then, it’s normal for them to move around or even lie sideways. As your baby grows and space becomes tighter, turning into the head-down position gets harder. Your doctor can check your baby’s position by feeling your belly and will confirm it with an ultrasound if needed.What Are the Methods to Turn a Breech Baby?
If your baby is breech, there are ways your doctor may try to turn them before delivery. One common method is called external cephalic version (ECV).During an ECV, your doctor gently presses on your belly to guide your baby into a head-down position. This is usually done in the hospital between 36 and 38 weeks. Medicine may be given to relax your uterus and make it easier to turn the baby.
ECV works in about half of all cases. If it’s successful, your baby can be born head-first through the vagina. If it doesn’t work, your doctor may suggest trying again or may recommend a C-section for delivery.
The procedure is generally safe but does carry small risks, such as bleeding, changes in the baby’s heartbeat, or, in rare cases, the need for an emergency C-section. This is why it’s only done in a hospital with full support available.
What are the Options Available to Deliver a Breech Baby?
A vaginal breech delivery can be done in some cases, but it carries higher risks. If you choose this, it’s important to deliver in a hospital that can do an emergency C-section right away if needed. Your doctor may advise against vaginal delivery if your baby is in a footling position, is too big or too small, has the head tilted back, or if you have conditions like placenta previa or pre-eclampsia.A planned C-section is usually considered the safest choice for breech babies. Most doctors recommend it around 39 weeks, when your baby’s lungs are well developed. If labour starts before your scheduled C-section, you should go to the hospital immediately. Your doctor will check, and if the baby is close to being born, they may still allow a vaginal birth.
In simpler terms, your options for a breech baby delivery are:
- Trying to turn the baby around at 37–38 weeks
- Planning a C-section around 39–40 weeks
- Vaginal delivery is only under very specific and closely monitored situations
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FAQs on Breech Baby in Pregnancy: Causes, Risks, and Delivery Options
- Will a breech baby turn heads down on its own?
Yes, in most cases, a breech baby usually turns in a head down position before 37 weeks. However, as the pregnancy progresses to 37 weeks, a breech baby may not be able to turn into a head-down position due to less space in the womb. - Is a vaginal delivery possible with a breech baby?
Yes, in some cases, a vaginal delivery of a breech baby is possible. However, it has some risks. Hence, it is best to communicate with your doctor about safe delivery options if you have a breech baby. - How to reduce the risk of having a breech baby?
You can do nothing to reduce the risk of having a breech baby. - When should I see my doctor if I have a breech baby?
See your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding, water breaking, or severe contractions in your pelvic area.