At some point during your pregnancy, you may be told your baby is breech. Your doctor may not discover the breech presentation until just a few weeks before your due date. Most doctors will not attempt a vaginal birth with a baby known to be in a breech position.
In some cases, the baby will turn on its own prior to labor. This has been known to happen in the days prior to the birth or even just before or at the beginning of labor. You may not want to wait that long, if you want to have a vaginal delivery. There may be some things that can be done to turn the baby.
Some practitioners will attempt an external cephalic version to help turn the baby. This procedure is done by manually manipulating the baby from the outside. The goal is to help the baby turn into the head down position for birth. There is a small risk of the baby getting tangled in the cord or the placenta separating.
This risk is less with a very experienced practitioner performing the procedure. Discuss this with your doctor. Only allow an experienced and well qualified doctor perform this procedure. Ask specific questions about training, experience, success rate and how often complications happen. The external version is always done in the hospital, so emergency help is readily available. If there is a problem, a c section can be done quickly.
For some women, positioning can help encourage the baby to shift positions. These are exercises you can do at home. For the first one, get on your hands and knees on the floor. Lower your forearms, forehead and upper body to the floor. Stay on your knees with your back side in the air.
Another position involves lying on the floor with your knees bent and feet up against the wall. Move your feet up the wall. Lift your backside and hips off the ground. Use pillows under your back for support.
Other women find help from the chiropractor. Sometimes the pelvis is out of proper alignment. This can prevent the baby from turning into the head down position. The earlier you see the chiropractor, the better the results in helping the baby turn.
Even if you try everything you can, the baby may remain in the breech position. In most cases, this will result in a c section. You may be very upset and discouraged at the prospect of a c section. Try to relax and enjoy this precious time in your life. The most important thing is to have a happy and healthy baby.