Introduction
Greetings, readers! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on breech position babies. If you’re expecting a little one and have received news that your baby is breech, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Breech position babies are more common than you think, and with the right care and attention, your baby can be born safely and healthily.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about breech position babies, including what it means, what causes it, and what your options are for delivery. We’ll also provide tips on how to help your baby turn head down and discuss the risks and benefits of different delivery methods.
What is a Breech Position Baby?
A breech position baby is a baby who is positioned in the womb with their feet or bottom down instead of their head down. There are different types of breech positions, including:
- Frank breech: The baby’s buttocks are down and their legs are extended up towards their head.
- Complete breech: The baby’s buttocks and feet are down and their legs are crossed at the knees.
- Footling breech: One or both of the baby’s feet are down and their buttocks are up.
What Causes a Breech Position Baby?
The exact cause of breech position babies is unknown, but there are a few factors that may increase the risk, such as:
- Having a small uterus: If your uterus is smaller than average, it may not be able to provide enough room for your baby to turn head down.
- Having too much amniotic fluid: Too much amniotic fluid can give your baby more room to move around and make it more likely that they will turn breech.
- Having a multiple pregnancy: If you are carrying twins or more, it is more common for one or more of the babies to be breech.
- Having a previous breech baby: If you have had a breech baby before, you are more likely to have another one.
What Are My Options for Delivery?
If your baby is breech, you have a few options for delivery:
- Vaginal breech delivery: This is a vaginal delivery in which the baby is delivered feet first. Vaginal breech deliveries are only recommended in certain cases and should be performed by an experienced healthcare provider.
- Cesarean delivery: This is a surgical delivery in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen. Cesarean deliveries are typically recommended for breech babies, especially if the baby is large or if there are other complications.
How Can I Help My Baby Turn Head Down?
If you are hoping for a vaginal delivery, there are a few things you can do to try to help your baby turn head down, such as:
- External cephalic version (ECV): This is a procedure in which a healthcare provider manually turns the baby head down from outside the womb. ECV is usually performed between 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy.
- Breech tilt: This is a position that you can do at home to help your baby turn head down. To do a breech tilt, lie on your back with your hips elevated on a pillow or rolled-up towel. Stay in this position for 15-20 minutes, several times a day.
Risks and Benefits of Different Delivery Methods
Vaginal Breech Delivery:
Risks:
- Increased risk of birth injuries: Breech babies are more likely to suffer from birth injuries, such as fractures, nerve damage, and brain damage.
- Increased risk of cord prolapse: This is a condition in which the umbilical cord falls out of the uterus before the baby is born. Cord prolapse can be dangerous for the baby, as it can cut off their oxygen supply.
Benefits:
- Shorter recovery time: Women who have a vaginal breech delivery typically recover more quickly than those who have a cesarean delivery.
- Lower risk of infection: Vaginal breech deliveries are less likely to be infected than cesarean deliveries.
Cesarean Delivery:
Risks:
- Increased risk of maternal complications: Cesarean deliveries are major surgery, and they carry a higher risk of maternal complications, such as bleeding, infection, and blood clots.
- Increased risk of scar rupture: If you have a cesarean delivery, you are at an increased risk of uterine scar rupture in future pregnancies.
Benefits:
- Lower risk of birth injuries: Cesarean deliveries are typically safer for breech babies than vaginal breech deliveries.
- Lower risk of cord prolapse: Cesarean deliveries eliminate the risk of cord prolapse.
Conclusion
If you are expecting a breech position baby, don’t worry—you’re not alone. With the right care and attention, your baby can be born safely and healthily. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options and make the best decision for you and your baby.
Be sure to check out our other articles on breech position babies for more information and support.
FAQ about Breech Position Baby
What is a breech position baby?
Breech position is when the baby is in a feet or bottom-first position inside the uterus rather than the typical head-first position.
What causes a breech position?
The cause is often unknown, but certain factors like uterine abnormalities, large babies, or multiple pregnancies can increase the risk.
What are the types of breech positions?
Frank breech: Bottom and both feet pointing down
Complete breech: Bottom and both feet extended upward
Incomplete breech: One or both feet by the baby’s face
What are the risks of a breech position?
Breech births are more difficult and risky compared to head-first births, as the baby’s head may get stuck in the birth canal.
What are the options for delivering a breech baby?
Vaginal breech birth is possible but less common. The other option is a cesarean section (C-section).
Can a breech baby turn head down before birth?
Yes, about 10-15% of breech babies turn head down spontaneously by the 37th week of pregnancy.
What can be done to help a breech baby turn head down?
Certain exercises, such as the knee-chest position, may help. However, many babies will not turn regardless of interventions.
What are the signs of labor for a breech baby?
The signs are the same as for a head-first baby, including contractions and water breaking.
What should I do if my baby is in breech position?
Consult with your doctor to discuss your options and plan for the delivery.
What is the best outcome for a breech baby?
With proper medical care, most breech babies can be delivered safely.
