Breech Birth

If your baby’s position cannot be corrected by the time you go into labor, it is likely that your doctor will perform a planned C-section.

Those of you who have watched TV shows or movies featuring labor scenes may be vaguely familiar with the term “breech position.” But how many of us really know what it means?

According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), most babies naturally move into delivery position several weeks before birth.

“Delivery position” means the baby’s head moves closer to the birth canal so the head can be delivered first. “Breech position” refers to a situation in which the baby does not move into delivery position, and is therefore positioned so the feet or buttocks will be delivered first.

Why does this matter? Most doctors will not deliver a baby in breech position vaginally, due to the possibility of complications to both mother and child. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the baby’s head is the largest part of his or her body, and if a baby in breech position is delivered feet first, the mother’s pelvis may not be large enough to deliver the head, too. Additionally, trying to deliver a breech baby vaginally may lead to umbilical cord damage, which reduces the baby’s oxygen supply, or cervical or vaginal tears for the mother.

It is often unclear why babies don’t move into delivery position, but in some cases breech position may be linked to early labor, multiple births, too much or too little amniotic fluid, problems with the uterus, past pregnancies, and birth defects like Down Syndrome and heart problems. 

Your doctor will perform an ultrasound in the last few weeks of your pregnancy to check your baby’s position. If your baby doesn’t move into delivery position by your 36th week of pregnancy, your doctor will explain your options. For example, he or she can try to guide your baby into the delivery position by pushing on your stomach while monitoring the baby via ultrasound. This is a very safe procedure, but may cause some discomfort.

A natural, at-home treatment could include the “breech-tilt” technique, according to the APA. This involves using large, firm pillows to keep your hips raised about a foot off the floor for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 times a day.

If your baby’s position cannot be corrected by the time you go into labor, it is likely that your doctor will perform a planned C-section in the interest of both your and your baby’s health.