What happens if my baby is breech? 

While it is common for a baby to be in the breech position (bottom down) several times throughout pregnancy, approximately three per cent of babies remain in the breech postition until they reach full term (37 to 42 weeks). 

These 'breech babies' can be at greater risk of conditions including hip dysplasia and lack of oxygen during birth. 

There are a couple of different types of breech presentations. These include:

  • the frank (or extended breech)—the legs are straight and the feet are up near your baby's head
  • the complete (or flexed) breech—knees are bent, but feet are above your baby's bottom, and
  • footling breech—baby's feet are below your baby's bottom. 

Breech presentations are most common in conditions such as: 

  • multiple pregnancy
  • placenta previa 
  • too much, or too little, amniotic fluid
  • uterine abnormalities or pelvic masses
  • certain conditions of your baby.

An ultrasound will be performed to exclude any of these reasons; however, more commonly than not, no specific cause is identified.
 

What are the risks for my baby or me?

If your baby presents as breech at term there is an increased risk of you needing a caesarean birth or having a complicated vaginal birth. Studies about the risks of breech presentation for both mother and baby show that, in certain situations, it can be safe to birth vaginally. However, there are some situations that will increase the risks for your baby. A caesarean birth also has increased risks for you compared to a vaginal birth. Therefore, all risks must be carefully considered when deciding what management option is right for you and your baby.

The lowest risk type of birth, for both mother and baby, is usually a vaginal birth where the baby is head first. Attempts to encourage your baby to turn will form part of the care which may be offered to you.
 

What is the chance of my baby turning spontaneously?

During pregnancy, many babies are in the breech position; however, most of these turn spontaneously before 37 weeks. If your baby is still breech at 37 weeks the chances of your baby turning by itself are considered to be low; therefore, you will have an opportunity to discuss the implications of this for your birth plan and what options are available to you.
 

What are my options?

1. External cephalic version

External cephalic version (ECV) is recommended, when no contraindication exists, as it can reduce the need for a caesarean birth. ECV is a commonly practiced procedure with a low risk of complications. This procedure is carried out in the ultrasound department and your baby will be monitored before, and after, the ECV. The success rate is approximately 60 per cent. For further information about ECV please refer to Mater’s brochure: Pregnancy—external cephalic version. Should you not be suitable for, or decline, an ECV or if you have an unsuccessful ECV, options two and three will be discussed with you.

2. Vaginal breech birth

Your doctor will discuss with you whether you are suitable for a planned vaginal breech birth. Although the risks of a complicated birth are greater with breech presentation in general, studies have shown that, in carefully selected situations, outcomes for breech babies born vaginally are similar to those born by caesarean section.

You may be suitable for a vaginal breech birth if:

  • you go into spontaneous labour
  • the estimated weight of your baby, following ultrasound scan, is between 2500 g and 4000 g
  • your baby is in either a complete (flexed) or frank (extended) breech presentation
  • an ultrasound scan confirms your baby’s neck is not over-extended
  • the size and shape or your pelvis is adequate
  • there is an absence of antenatal complications which may increase the likelihood of a difficult birth.

During labour continuous monitoring of your baby’s heart rate is recommended and regular assessment of the progress of your labour is important.

3. Elective caesarean birth

If there are reasons specific to you or your baby why a planned vaginal breech birth is not advised or, if after discussion, your preference is for planned caesarean birth, this is usually performed after 39 weeks. For further information about caesarean births please refer to Mater’s brochure: Caesarean birth.
 

What if I am in labour with a breech presentation?

If you are first diagnosed with a breech presentation in labour, or you present in labour prior to a booked elective caesarean birth your options will be discussed with you. An emergency caesarean birth carries additional risks for you and may provide no additional benefit to your baby in certain circumstance. The decision to perform an emergency caesarean birth or to proceed with a vaginal breech birth will depend on circumstances such as the type of breech, other antenatal risk factors and the stage and progress of your labour.
 

Are there other ways of turning my baby?

There are many alternative therapies that women may try to turn a breech baby. While none of these have been proven to be effective, in general these therapies carry no significant risk.

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For urgent assessment at any stage of your pregnancy, please present to your nearest emergency centre or Mater Mothers’ 24/7 Pregnancy Assessment Centre in South Brisbane.

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