My Baby Is Breach What Do I Do?

Breach is one of the words that can describe the position of your baby when you are pregnant. It tends to be highlighted during the third trimester of pregnancy and refers to a position where the baby is bottom-first or feet-first rather than head-first. If your baby is breach please do not panic though as the odds are in your favour. It is believed that only 3-5% of babies are in a breach position when they are full term. 

A lot of babies can present as breach during early pregnancy but most tend to turn on their own so that they are head first by the time delivery comes along. It is a shame that so many parents find themselves stressed and anxious about a “breach baby” as early as six months pregnant. The baby has a lot of time to change position and the stress and worry is the very last thing a pregnant mum needs during this time. During this time the baby can change positions several times every single day. 

In the weeks leading up to your due date, your doctor will be able to advise you on your baby’s position. The doctor can tell by doing a physical exam or an ultrasound. They may advise you on some natural methods to help encourage your baby to change to a head down position which is more favourable for a vaginal birth. 

www.spinningbabies.ie is a very popular resource which offers extensive advice on different positions and methods which can help your baby turn before the birth. There are also some more homoeopathic and holistic suggestions which many women claim have helped their baby change position.

You can lie on the floor with your feet flat and both legs bent. Raise your hips and lift them off the ground. Hold this position for a couple of minutes and repeat 2-3 times per day. 

Some women claim that their baby responded well to a change in temperature. They placed something cool on the area of their stomach where the baby’s head is and something warmer (but not hot) at the bottom of your tummy. The idea is that the temperature may encourage your baby to shift position. 

This holistic approach delves from Chinese medicine. Needles are placed at different pressure points and this therapy is believed to help your uterus relax and encourage your baby to move. 

This is a procedure whereby your doctor can attempt to manually turn your baby by hand. ECV stands for external cephalic version and has a 50% chance of being effective. The doctor puts firm but gentle pressure on your tummy to encourage the baby to turn in your womb. The procedure will involve an ultrasound to closely monitor the baby. The baby’s heart rate will also be monitored. It does not involve a general anaesthetic but you will be given medication which helps the muscles in your womb to relax. It is a safe procedure and complications are uncommon but as with all medical procedures, there are risks that accompany it. For many women, the procedure is appealing as it increases your chances of having a vaginal birth.