What does it mean if my baby is breech, and what can I do about it?
Penny cited the following
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.
1
Article
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
Article
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
Article
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.
4
Article
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.
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.
1ArticleIf 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.→
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
5ArticleBreech 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 ...→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.
1ArticleIf 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.→5ArticleBreech 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 ...→
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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.
1ArticleIf 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.→2ArticleBreech 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.→
Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
3ArticleWhat 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.→nhs.uk
4ArticleBreech 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.→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.
1ArticleIf 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.→2ArticleBreech 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.→3ArticleWhat 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.→4ArticleBreech 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.→6ArticleExternal 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 ...→
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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.
6ArticleExternal 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 ...→
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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.
1ArticleIf 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.→2ArticleBreech 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.→6ArticleExternal 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 ...→
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.
1ArticleIf 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.→2ArticleBreech 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.→3ArticleWhat 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.→4ArticleBreech 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.→
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.
5ArticleBreech 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 ...→
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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.
2ArticleBreech 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.→3ArticleWhat 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.→
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.
1
Article
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
Article
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
Article
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.
4
Article
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.
6
Article
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 ...