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Breech Babies

Written by Julia Bartrop
Aug 19, 2024   •   
Breech Babies

Understanding Breech Babies: A Simple Guide

What is a Breech Position? A breech position occurs when a baby is positioned bottom-down in the womb, as opposed to the head-down position. However, there are a few different types of breech positions:

  • Frank Breech. This is where the baby’s buttocks are aimed at the birth canal, with legs straight up in front of the body and feet near the head.
  • Complete Breech. In this position the baby’s buttocks are down with legs folded at the knees and feet near the buttocks.
  • Footling Breech. One or both feet are positioned to come out first.

How Does a Breech Position Affect Birth?

A breech position can complicate vaginal delivery because the largest part of the baby, the head, is delivered last. This increases the risk of the baby’s head getting stuck as well as umbilical cord problems and other complications. Due to these risks, many breech babies are delivered by caesarean section (C-section).
Prior to an C-section being scheduled you may be offered an ECV to assist with turning your baby. An ECV is a medical way to turn a breech baby. There are also natural ways to aid with turning a baby.

How to Turn a Breech Baby Naturally

There are various techniques that might help turn a breech baby into a head-down position – you could try:

  • Maternal Positioning Exercises. You can use a technique called ‘spinning babies’ which includes exercises like the forward-leaning inversions. This is where you kneel on a higher surface and lean forward with your head down. The aim is to create space for the baby to move head-down. Another technique is ‘Pelvic Tilts’. You lie on your back with your hips elevated above your head which can encourage the baby to move into a head-down position.
  • Moxibustion. This is a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving burning a herb called mugwort near the small toes. Stimulating the acupuncture points may encourage the baby to turn.
  • Prenatal Yoga using specific yoga poses to help create space in the pelvis, which will encourage the baby to move head-down. Using gentle stretches and movements like cat-cow you will relax the body and promote optimal positioning.

Breech Babies

What is an ECV?

External Cephalic Version (ECV) is a medical procedure where a doctor applies pressure on the abdomen to turn the baby into a head-down position. This is usually done around 36-37 weeks of pregnancy. The success rate of ECV is about 50-60%. The procedure is generally safe but does carry some risks, such as causing the baby to move back into the breech position, premature labor, or fetal distress.

Contraindications to Turning a Breech Baby

Not all breech babies should be turned. There are situations which need to be considered such as:

  • Placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix)
  • Low amniotic fluid levels
  • Twins or multiple pregnancies
  • A previous uterine surgery like a C-section – if within 2 years of giving birth.
  • Foetal abnormalities or growth restrictions

When is the Best Time to Turn a Breech Baby?

The best time to try turning a breech baby is around 32-37 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, there’s still enough room for the baby to move, but they’re big enough to stay head-down if they turn.

If your baby is in a breech position, discussing options with your healthcare provider is important. While many babies turn naturally before birth, some may need assistance. Whether through natural techniques or a medical procedure like an ECV, there are options to help ensure a safer delivery.

As an Acupuncturist, moxibustion is one of my favourite treatments and it can assist with turning breech babies. This year, the use of moxibustion has had a 100% success rate. However, not all babies will turn and if baby doesn’t turn, remember that they are in the safest position for them.

Written by Julia Bartrop
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