All about Breech

Usually a few weeks before birth, most babies will move into delivery position, with their head moving near the birth canal. If this does not happen, the baby's buttocks and/or feet, will be in place to be delivered first. This is called a breech presentation. Breech births occur in about 1 of 25 full-term births.

What are the different types of breech presentations?
Frank breech: The fetus' buttocks are aimed toward the birth canal and the legs stick straight up in front of the body. The feet are near the head.
Complete breech: The buttocks are down, with the legs folded at the knees and the feet near the buttocks.
Footling breech: One or both of the fetus' feet are pointing down and will come out first.



Footling breech



What causes a breech presentation?
The causes of breech presentations are not fully known. However, a breech birth is more common :

- In subsequent pregnancies
- In pregnancies of multiples
- When there is history of premature delivery
- When the uterus has too much or too little amniotic fluid
- In an abnormal shaped uterus or a uterus with abnormal growths, such as fibroids.
- For women with placenta previa


Can a breech presentation be changed?
The best time to try to turn a breech baby is between 32-37 weeks of pregnancy There are many different types of methods to use and all have different levels of success. Talk with your health care provider about which options they feel would be best for you to try.

Medical Techniques:
External Version: External version is a non-surgical method in which a doctor can help move the baby within the uterus. A medication to help relax the uterus might be given as well as an ultrasound exam, to better check the position of the baby, the location of the placenta, and the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus. Gentle pushing on the lower abdomen can turn the baby into the head-down position. Throughout the external version, the baby's heartbeat will be checked closely so that if any problems should occur, the health care provider will stop turning immediately. Most attempts at external version are successful; however, as the due date gets closer this procedure is more difficult.

Chiropractic Care: The late Larry Webster, D.C., of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, developed a technique which enabled chiropractors to release stress on the pregnant woman's pelvis and cause relaxation to the uterus and surrounding ligaments. The relaxed uterus would make it easier for a breech baby to turn naturally. The technique is known as the Webster Breech Technique.

Natural Techniques:
The following two techniques often suggested by physical therapist, Penny Simkin, are things you can try at home for free, with no risks involved.

The Breech Tilt: Raise hips 12" or 30cm off the floor using large, solid pillows three times daily for 10-15 minutes each time. This is best done on an empty stomach, and at a time when your baby is active. Concentrate on your baby and not tensing your body, especially in the abdominal area.

Using Music: We know that babies can hear sounds outside the womb, so many women have used music or taped recordings of their voice to try to get their baby to move towards the noise! Headphones placed on the lower part of your abdomen, playing either music or your voice, has encouraged babies to move towards the sounds and out of the breech position.