When giving birth, the head is usually the first part of the baby’s body to come out, followed by the shoulders and then the rest of your little one. However, a breech birth means your baby is coming out feet first.

 

During pregnancy, your little one can move freely about the womb before settling into the birth position around the eight month. While they will generally settle into the vertex position – head-down – about 4% of babies will settle feet first.

 

1. What types of breech positions are there?

Many of us mums assume that there is only one breech position – baby’s legs are coming out first. But there are a number of other positions that they can take up:

  • Complete breech: Baby is sitting cross-legged
  • Incomplete breech: When one or both legs is/are close to the vagina
  • Franck breech: When your baby’s bottom is nearest the vagina and their legs are turned towards their face.

 

2. What can I do?

There is nothing that you can really do to move your baby, but your doctor or midwife may try to rotate them into the correct position after the 36th week. This involves your doctor gently turning your baby 90° with their hands on your stomach.

 

They will generally leave your little one in the traverse position – when they are lying across the uterus – allowing them to naturally take up the correct position. Your little one won’t always oblige or may return to the breech position after being moved. Sometimes they can turn naturally into the head-down position themselves.

 

3. How will it impact labour?

During labour your little one’s head will push its way down the birth canal, more effectively than their bum. If they are going feet first it can make labour longer and more difficult, and doctors may consider a caesarean section, but not in all cases.

 

Your doctor or midwife will discuss your options before you give birth.

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