Most babies settle into a head-down position (vertex presentation) by the third trimester, sometimes they don't. This is known as breech presentation.
What is Breech Presentation?
A breech presentation means your baby is positioned to come out feet or bottom first, instead of head first, during labor. This occurs in about 3-4% of full-term pregnancies.
Types of Breech Presentation:
● Frank Breech: The baby's bottom is down, with legs straight up and feet near the head. This is the most common type of breech.
● Complete Breech: The baby is sitting cross-legged, with both hips and knees flexed, so the bottom is down
● Footling Breech: One or both of the baby's feet are positioned to come out first.
● Transverse Lie: The baby is lying horizontally across the uterus. This isn't strictly a breech, but it also means the baby isn't head-down for birth.
What Causes It?
Often, there's no clear reason why a baby is breech. However, some factors can increase the likelihood:
- Premature birth.
- Too much or too little amniotic fluid.
- Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets).
- An unusually shaped uterus.
- Placenta previa (placenta covering the cervix).
What Happens If Your Baby Is Breech?
If your baby is still breech as your due date approaches, your healthcare provider will discuss options, which may include:
● External Cephalic Version (ECV): A procedure where a doctor attempts to manually turn the baby from the outside of your belly. It's often tried around 36-37 weeks and can be successful in about half of attempts.
● Planned Cesarean Section (C-section): Many breech babies are delivered via C-section, especially if an ECV is unsuccessful or not recommended. This is often considered the safest option to avoid potential complications of a vaginal breech birth.
● Vaginal Breech Birth: In some specific cases, a vaginal breech birth might be an option, but it requires careful assessment by a highly experienced medical team.
Always discuss your specific situation and concerns with your doctor or midwife. They will help you understand the best and safest birth plan for you and your baby.
