Breech Babies

What Is A Breech Baby?

Around 3-4 % of babies are in a breech position at full term. A breech baby is when your baby lies in the womb with his bottom down instead of his head down. Many babies are in the breech position until mid way through the pregnancy but manage to turn themselves the right way.

Can I Still Have A Vaginal Delivery If My Baby Is In A Breech Position?

Yes, you can but you may want to look at finding a midwife who has some experience in vaginal breech births. The Association For Improvements In The Maternity Services or the Independent Midwives Association will be able to help. If you do decide to have a vaginal birth you may want to have an epidural.

What About Having A Caesarean?

Many hospitals will offer an assisted caesarean at thirty six weeks, once they know your baby is in a breech position. If you are offered a caesarean you may want to look at our section on caesarean delivery.

Click on this link to read our related article about Caesarean Section delivery

Can I Help Turn My Baby Back To The Right Position?

Yes, in some cases you may be able to help turn your baby into the correct position, although the baby may still flip back into the breech position. Up to 34 weeks there is a possibility that you baby might turn themselves.

How Can I Turn My Baby?

There are many positions you can try to help turn your baby into the correct position. Most of them involve putting your bottom in the air.

• Position 1: Kneel on all fours with your forearms on the floor, head down with bottom in the air
• Position 2: lie on your back with several pillows under your bottom with your feet on the floor (good yoga position)
• Alternatively you may want to look at alternative therapies.

None of the above have clinical data to back them up.

Can My Midwife Help To Turn My Baby?

Yes, some experienced midwifes can help to turn your baby using external cephalic version. Ideally this needs to be done after 37 weeks of pregnancy and is done manually.

If My Baby Is Born Vaginally Will It Be Alright?

When a baby is born the paediatrician will check for any hip problems which are common in breech born babies. The main fear with a breech birth is that the baby may suffer with suffocation or trauma. If you have any fears or worries talk to either your GP or your Midwife.