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What does it mean if my baby is breech, and what can I do about it?
Penny found 20 sources
with relevant information
4 professionally-backed sources
2 articles from healthcare institutions
What it Means if Your Baby is Breech
A breech baby is one who is positioned in the uterus with their bottom or feet pointing down toward the birth canal, rather than the typical head-down (vertex) position. This is common earlier in pregnancy, but by 36–37 weeks, most babies turn head-down on their own. If your baby remains breech near your due date, it may affect your delivery options and planning.
If Your Baby Is Breech | ACOG
External Cephalic Version (ECV): A technique, performed late in pregnancy, in which the doctor attempts to manually move a breechbaby into the head-down position.
Breech baby at the end of pregnancy | RCOG
Babies lying bottom first or feet first in the uterus (womb) instead of in the usual head-first position are called breech babies. Breech is very common in early pregnancy, and by 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, most babies turn naturally into the head-first position.
What happens if your baby is breech? - NHS
Babies often twist and turn during pregnancy, but most will have moved into the head-down (also known as head-first) position by the time labour begins. However, that does not always happen, and a baby may be: ... If your baby is lying bottom or feet first, they are in the breech position.
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
Breech Baby: Causes, Complications, Turning & Delivery
Types of breech positions during pregnancy. A breech baby (breech birth or breech presentation) is when a baby's feet or buttocks are positioned to come out of your vagina first. This means its head is up toward your chest and its lower body is closest to your vagina.
Read full article
Source:
Cleveland Clinic
Why Breech Position Matters
Head-first is safest for birth
- The head-down position makes vaginal birth easier and safer for both you and your baby.
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In breech position, the baby’s body comes out first, which can make it harder for the head to pass through the birth canal and increases the risk of complications during delivery.
If Your Baby Is Breech | ACOGExternal Cephalic Version (ECV): A technique, performed late in pregnancy, in which the doctor attempts to manually move a breechbaby into the head-down position.Breech birth: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaIn the last weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider will check to see what position your baby is in. If your baby's position does not feel normal, you may need an ultrasound. If the ultrasound shows your babyisbreech, your provider will talk with you about your options for a safe delivery. In breech position, the baby's bottom is down. There are a few types of breech: Complete breechmeans ...Read full articleSource: medlineplus.gov
Risks with breech birth
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Vaginal breech birth carries higher risks for the baby, including the possibility of the head or shoulders getting stuck, or the umbilical cord being compressed, which can reduce oxygen supply.
If Your Baby Is Breech | ACOGExternal Cephalic Version (ECV): A technique, performed late in pregnancy, in which the doctor attempts to manually move a breechbaby into the head-down position.Breech birth: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaIn the last weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider will check to see what position your baby is in. If your baby's position does not feel normal, you may need an ultrasound. If the ultrasound shows your babyisbreech, your provider will talk with you about your options for a safe delivery. In breech position, the baby's bottom is down. There are a few types of breech: Complete breechmeans ...Read full articleSource: medlineplus.gov
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Because of these risks, planned cesarean (C-section) delivery is the most common way breech babies are born in many countries.
If Your Baby Is Breech | ACOGExternal Cephalic Version (ECV): A technique, performed late in pregnancy, in which the doctor attempts to manually move a breechbaby into the head-down position.Breech baby at the end of pregnancy | RCOGBabies lying bottom first or feet first in the uterus (womb) instead of in the usual head-first position are called breech babies. Breech is very common in early pregnancy, and by 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, most babies turn naturally into the head-first position.What happens if your baby is breech? - NHSBabies often twist and turn during pregnancy, but most will have moved into the head-down (also known as head-first) position by the time labour begins. However, that does not always happen, and a baby may be: ... If your baby is lying bottom or feet first, they are in the breech position.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukBreech Baby: Causes, Complications, Turning & DeliveryTypes of breech positions during pregnancy. A breech baby (breech birth or breech presentation) is when a baby's feet or buttocks are positioned to come out of your vagina first. This means its head is up toward your chest and its lower body is closest to your vagina.Read full articleSource: Cleveland Clinic
What Can Be Done About a Breech Baby
Turning the baby (External Cephalic Version, ECV)
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If your baby is still breech at 36–37 weeks, your healthcare provider may offer a procedure called external cephalic version (ECV). This involves applying gentle pressure to your abdomen to try to turn the baby to a head-down position.
If Your Baby Is Breech | ACOGExternal Cephalic Version (ECV): A technique, performed late in pregnancy, in which the doctor attempts to manually move a breechbaby into the head-down position.Breech baby at the end of pregnancy | RCOGBabies lying bottom first or feet first in the uterus (womb) instead of in the usual head-first position are called breech babies. Breech is very common in early pregnancy, and by 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, most babies turn naturally into the head-first position.What happens if your baby is breech? - NHSBabies often twist and turn during pregnancy, but most will have moved into the head-down (also known as head-first) position by the time labour begins. However, that does not always happen, and a baby may be: ... If your baby is lying bottom or feet first, they are in the breech position.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukBreech Baby: Causes, Complications, Turning & DeliveryTypes of breech positions during pregnancy. A breech baby (breech birth or breech presentation) is when a baby's feet or buttocks are positioned to come out of your vagina first. This means its head is up toward your chest and its lower body is closest to your vagina.Read full articleSource: Cleveland ClinicExternal Cephalic Version (ECV): Procedure & RisksBreechpregnancies aren’t dangerous until it’s time for delivery. If you want to deliver vaginally, turning a breechbaby might be your best chance at having the childbirth you planned. ... Your provider will discuss the risks with you. Together, you can decide if it’s a safe option. ... Yes, it can make you go into labor. ECV procedures typically happen near an operating room for this reason. The average success rate is about 58%. This means ...Read full articleSource: Cleveland Clinic
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ECV is usually done in a hospital setting, is considered safe, and has a success rate of about 50–60%. It can be uncomfortable, but pain relief options are available.
External Cephalic Version (ECV): Procedure & RisksBreechpregnancies aren’t dangerous until it’s time for delivery. If you want to deliver vaginally, turning a breechbaby might be your best chance at having the childbirth you planned. ... Your provider will discuss the risks with you. Together, you can decide if it’s a safe option. ... Yes, it can make you go into labor. ECV procedures typically happen near an operating room for this reason. The average success rate is about 58%. This means ...Read full articleSource: Cleveland Clinic
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Not everyone is a candidate for ECV, and your provider will discuss whether it’s safe for you based on your pregnancy and health history.
If Your Baby Is Breech | ACOGExternal Cephalic Version (ECV): A technique, performed late in pregnancy, in which the doctor attempts to manually move a breechbaby into the head-down position.Breech baby at the end of pregnancy | RCOGBabies lying bottom first or feet first in the uterus (womb) instead of in the usual head-first position are called breech babies. Breech is very common in early pregnancy, and by 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, most babies turn naturally into the head-first position.External Cephalic Version (ECV): Procedure & RisksBreechpregnancies aren’t dangerous until it’s time for delivery. If you want to deliver vaginally, turning a breechbaby might be your best chance at having the childbirth you planned. ... Your provider will discuss the risks with you. Together, you can decide if it’s a safe option. ... Yes, it can make you go into labor. ECV procedures typically happen near an operating room for this reason. The average success rate is about 58%. This means ...Read full articleSource: Cleveland Clinic
If the baby remains breech
- If ECV is not successful or not attempted, your provider will discuss your options for delivery. These may include:
- Planned C-section, which is generally considered safer for the baby in breech cases.
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Vaginal breech birth, which may be considered in select situations, depending on your provider’s experience, your baby’s exact position, and your preferences. This option is less common and carries higher risks for the baby.
If Your Baby Is Breech | ACOGExternal Cephalic Version (ECV): A technique, performed late in pregnancy, in which the doctor attempts to manually move a breechbaby into the head-down position.Breech baby at the end of pregnancy | RCOGBabies lying bottom first or feet first in the uterus (womb) instead of in the usual head-first position are called breech babies. Breech is very common in early pregnancy, and by 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, most babies turn naturally into the head-first position.What happens if your baby is breech? - NHSBabies often twist and turn during pregnancy, but most will have moved into the head-down (also known as head-first) position by the time labour begins. However, that does not always happen, and a baby may be: ... If your baby is lying bottom or feet first, they are in the breech position.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukBreech Baby: Causes, Complications, Turning & DeliveryTypes of breech positions during pregnancy. A breech baby (breech birth or breech presentation) is when a baby's feet or buttocks are positioned to come out of your vagina first. This means its head is up toward your chest and its lower body is closest to your vagina.Read full articleSource: Cleveland Clinic
What to Expect if Your Baby is Breech
- Your provider will monitor your baby’s position in the last weeks of pregnancy, often with an ultrasound.
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If you go into labor with a breech baby, or if your water breaks, it’s important to contact your healthcare team right away, as there can be increased risks for the baby.
Breech birth: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaIn the last weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider will check to see what position your baby is in. If your baby's position does not feel normal, you may need an ultrasound. If the ultrasound shows your babyisbreech, your provider will talk with you about your options for a safe delivery. In breech position, the baby's bottom is down. There are a few types of breech: Complete breechmeans ...Read full articleSource: medlineplus.gov
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Your care team will help you understand your options and support you in making the decision that feels right for you and your baby.
Breech baby at the end of pregnancy | RCOGBabies lying bottom first or feet first in the uterus (womb) instead of in the usual head-first position are called breech babies. Breech is very common in early pregnancy, and by 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, most babies turn naturally into the head-first position.What happens if your baby is breech? - NHSBabies often twist and turn during pregnancy, but most will have moved into the head-down (also known as head-first) position by the time labour begins. However, that does not always happen, and a baby may be: ... If your baby is lying bottom or feet first, they are in the breech position.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
Moving Forward with a Breech Baby
Having a breech baby near the end of pregnancy is not uncommon, and there are safe options for managing it. Many babies turn on their own before labor, but if your baby remains breech, your healthcare provider will discuss the safest delivery plan for you. If you are offered an ECV, your provider will explain the procedure, its risks, and benefits, and help you decide if it’s right for you. If your baby stays breech, a planned C-section is the most common approach, but your preferences and individual situation will guide the final plan.
If Your Baby Is Breech | ACOG
External Cephalic Version (ECV): A technique, performed late in pregnancy, in which the doctor attempts to manually move a breechbaby into the head-down position.
Breech baby at the end of pregnancy | RCOG
Babies lying bottom first or feet first in the uterus (womb) instead of in the usual head-first position are called breech babies. Breech is very common in early pregnancy, and by 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, most babies turn naturally into the head-first position.
What happens if your baby is breech? - NHS
Babies often twist and turn during pregnancy, but most will have moved into the head-down (also known as head-first) position by the time labour begins. However, that does not always happen, and a baby may be: ... If your baby is lying bottom or feet first, they are in the breech position.
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
Breech Baby: Causes, Complications, Turning & Delivery
Types of breech positions during pregnancy. A breech baby (breech birth or breech presentation) is when a baby's feet or buttocks are positioned to come out of your vagina first. This means its head is up toward your chest and its lower body is closest to your vagina.
Read full article
Source:
Cleveland Clinic
External Cephalic Version (ECV): Procedure & Risks
Breechpregnancies aren’t dangerous until it’s time for delivery. If you want to deliver vaginally, turning a breechbaby might be your best chance at having the childbirth you planned. ... Your provider will discuss the risks with you. Together, you can decide if it’s a safe option. ... Yes, it can make you go into labor. ECV procedures typically happen near an operating room for this reason. The average success rate is about 58%. This means ...
Read full article
Source:
Cleveland Clinic
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Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
Pregnancy outcomes in breech presentation at term: a comparison between 2 third level birth center protocols - ScienceDirect
A total of 1079 women were eligible for analysis. After matching for possible confounding factors, the final analysis was performed on 257 patients in each group. The primary outcomes were a composite of adverse obstetrical outcomes and a composite of neonatal adverse outcomes.
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Source:
sciencedirect.com
Pregnancy outcomes in breech presentation analyzed according to intended mode of delivery - PubMed
Conclusions: The results confirm that planned vaginal breech delivery results in short-lasting delayed recovery after birth compared with planned cesarean section.
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
Identification of breech presentation - NCBI Bookshelf
There are interventions that can ... to determine the most effective way of identifying a breechpresentation in late pregnancy. Please see Table 1 for a summary of the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome (PICO) characteristics of this review....
Breech Presentation - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Breechpresentation refers to the fetus in the longitudinal lie with the buttocks or lower extremity entering the pelvis first. The 3 types of breechpresentation are frank, complete, and incomplete. In a frank breech, the fetus has flexion of both hips, and the legs are straight with the feet ...
Breech birth care: Number 1 – 2024 - PMC
The patient must be positioned ... administered. Options include beta-adrenergic agonists (salbutamol 0.05 mg in slow IV infusion; terbutaline 0.25 mg subcutaneously), nitroglycerin (0.05 to 0.2 mg IV) or even induction of general anesthesia....
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Source:
PubMed Central
Retrospective Analysis of Pregnancy Outcomes Following External Cephalic Version for Breech Presentation - PMC
We retrospectively analyzed data ... with breechpresentation at 36 weeks gestation, admitted to Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine from January 2018 to March 2022. 42 underwent ECV, categorized as the ECV group, while 116 without ECV comprised the control group. Systematic collection and evaluation of pregnancyoutcomes were conducted ...
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Source:
PubMed Central
Breech Presentation - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
The risk of adverse obstetric outcomes with breech presentation includes cord prolapse and prolonged cord compression in the setting of rupture of membranes. If the fetus delivers vaginally with the breech presentation, there is a risk for head entrapment as well as for birth trauma associated ...
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Source:
sciencedirect.com
Maternal and fetal risks of planned vaginal breech delivery vs planned caesarean section for term breech birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC
The meta-analysis included 94 285 births with breech presentation. The relative risk of perinatal mortality was 5.48 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.61-11.51) times higher in the vaginal delivery group, 4.12 (95% CI = 2.46-6.89) for birth trauma and 3.33 (95% CI = 1.95-5.67) for Apgar results.
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Source:
PubMed Central
Risk factors for adverse outcomes in vaginal preterm breech labor - PMC
Earlier studies were able to identify ... in vaginal preterm breechdelivery. Our study aims to identify risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes in vaginal preterm delivery. This information is needed, since every tenth baby is born preterm [20] and many of them are in a breech ...
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Source:
PubMed Central
Management of breech presentation - NCBI Bookshelf
What is the most effective way of managing a longitudinal lie fetal malpresentation (breech presentation) in late pregnancy? Breech presentation of the fetus in late pregnancy may result in prolonged or obstructed labour with resulting risks to both woman and fetus. Interventions to correct breech presentation (to cephalic) before labour and birth are important for the woman’s and the baby...
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
1
If Your Baby Is Breech | ACOG
External Cephalic Version (ECV): A technique, performed late in pregnancy, in which the doctor attempts to manually move a breechbaby into the head-down position.
2
Breech baby at the end of pregnancy | RCOG
Babies lying bottom first or feet first in the uterus (womb) instead of in the usual head-first position are called breech babies. Breech is very common in early pregnancy, and by 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, most babies turn naturally into the head-first position.
3
What happens if your baby is breech? - NHS
Babies often twist and turn during pregnancy, but most will have moved into the head-down (also known as head-first) position by the time labour begins. However, that does not always happen, and a baby may be: ... If your baby is lying bottom or feet first, they are in the breech position.
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
5
Breech birth: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
In the last weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider will check to see what position your baby is in. If your baby's position does not feel normal, you may need an ultrasound. If the ultrasound shows your babyisbreech, your provider will talk with you about your options for a safe delivery. In breech position, the baby's bottom is down. There are a few types of breech: Complete breechmeans ...
Read full article
Source:
medlineplus.gov
Breech Presentation: Overview, Vaginal Breech Delivery, Cesarean Delivery
Perform ECV in or near a delivery ... emergent delivery. ECV can be performed with 1 or 2 operators. Some prefer to have an assistant to help turn the fetus, elevate the breech out of the pelvis, or to monitor the position of the baby with ultrasonography. Others prefer a single operator approach, as there may be better coordination between the forces that are raising the breechand moving the ...
Read full article
Source:
Medscape
Management of Breech Presentation (Green-top Guideline No. 20b) | RCOG
This guideline provides up-to-date information on methods of delivery for women with breech presentation. The aim of this guideline is to aid decision making regarding the route of delivery and choice of various techniques used during delivery.
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
4
Breech Baby: Causes, Complications, Turning & Delivery
Types of breech positions during pregnancy. A breech baby (breech birth or breech presentation) is when a baby's feet or buttocks are positioned to come out of your vagina first. This means its head is up toward your chest and its lower body is closest to your vagina.
Read full article
Source:
Cleveland Clinic
6
External Cephalic Version (ECV): Procedure & Risks
Breechpregnancies aren’t dangerous until it’s time for delivery. If you want to deliver vaginally, turning a breechbaby might be your best chance at having the childbirth you planned. ... Your provider will discuss the risks with you. Together, you can decide if it’s a safe option. ... Yes, it can make you go into labor. ECV procedures typically happen near an operating room for this reason. The average success rate is about 58%. This means ...
Read full article
Source:
Cleveland Clinic
Breech birth Information | Mount Sinai - New York
The term fetal presentation refers to the part of your baby's body that is closest to the birth canal. In most full-term pregnancies, the baby is positioned head down, or cephalic, in the uterus. In breech position, the baby's bottom is down. There are a few types of breech: Complete breech ...
Breech Baby: Positions, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Baptist Health
In this type of breech birth, the knees are the first part of the baby to appear. It is one of the rarest birth presentations and typically requires a cesarean or C-section delivery. Only three to four percent of all full-term pregnanciesarebreech births (meaning delivery during the 39th ...
Read full article
Source:
Baptist Health
General Health & Web Sources
Publicly available health-related articles from non-peer-reviewed sources. These may reference research or clinical guidelines, but are not primary sources.
Uncategorized Sources
Information from sources that have not yet been categorized.