Breech Baby

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:

• bottom first or feet first (breech position)
• lying sideways (transverse position)
• Bottom first or feet first (breech baby)

If your baby is lying bottom or feet first, they are in the breech position. If they're still breech at around 36 weeks' gestation, the obstetrician and midwife will discuss your options for a safe delivery.

A breech position in babies can be due to various factors, including their size, multiple pregnancies, or the shape of the mother's uterus. Conditions like placenta previa or low amniotic fluid can also influence the baby's position. At Northampton General Hospital, our maternity team is experienced in managing breech deliveries and will work with you to ensure a safe and informed birthing experience.

If your baby is in a breech position at 36 weeks, you'll usually be offered an external cephalic version (ECV). This is when a healthcare professional, such as an obstetrician, tries to turn the baby into a head-down position by applying pressure on your abdomen. It's a safe procedure, although it can be a bit uncomfortable. Around 50% of breech babies can be turned using ECV, allowing a vaginal birth.

If an ECV does not work, you'll need to discuss your options for a vaginal birth or caesarean section with your midwife and obstetrician. If you plan a caesarean and then go into labour before the operation, your obstetrician will assess whether it's safe to proceed with the caesarean delivery. If the baby is close to being born, it may be safer for you to have a vaginal breech birth.

Complimentary Therapies

There is some evidence suggesting that moxibustion, an herbal Chinese therapy, and acupuncture may assist in encouraging your baby to change position. However, please note that these services are not currently provided by the NHS. Therefore, we recommend consulting a qualified practitioner for guidance and treatment if you opt for these approaches.

Some clinicians suggest that optimizing fetal positioning through specific postures can maximize pelvic space and encourage your baby to reposition. You might also come across information on chiropractic techniques and complementary therapies to facilitate a breech baby's movement. If you wish to explore these options, we advise seeking specialist advice.

• Breech baby at the end of pregnancy patient information leaflet | RCOG
• What happens if your baby is breech? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)