Breech presentation: is it dangerous or not?

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Breech presentation means that the baby in the mother's abdomen is located at the entrance to the small pelvis with the buttocks or legs.

When an ultrasound scan reveals a breech presentation of the fetus, many pregnant start to panic, because the physiologically correct position is the cephalic presentation - so it is easier for mom to give birth, and for the baby to move along the birth canal. But how dangerous is breech presentation or can the child roll over on his own?

Until the 30th week, breech presentation is considered the norm, the child is not specifically turned over, because he still has enough space and time to do it on his own several times. It is believed that the baby takes the final position in the abdomen by 35 weeks of gestation. However, there are cases when children turned over even on the day of birth.

Reasons for breech presentation:

  • polyhydramnios or low water
  • multiple pregnancy
  • chronic oxygen starvation of the fetus
  • fetal anomalies
  • bleeding disorders
  • overstretching of the uterus.
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How to give birth with breech presentation?

Each case is individual and each decision is made by a council of doctors. Breech presentation is an indication for cesarean section, but not in 100% of cases.

What doctors base their decision on:

  • health status and age of a woman, pelvic volume
  • term and features of pregnancy
  • type of breech presentation (the child is buttocks or legs forward)
  • gender and weight of the child, degree of head extension.

There is no need to be afraid of breech presentation - doctors are faced with such cases every day and they have protocols on how to act in such situations. But a pregnant woman should be aware of possible complications if she goes to a natural birth with a breech presentation.

In particular, it can be:

  • fetal injury (damage to the cervical spine, cerebellum)
  • rupture of the cervix in a woman in labor
  • longer and more difficult labor
  • oxygen starvation of the fetus due to clamping of the umbilical cord
  • pneumonia in a newborn due to ingestion of water and meconium.

How to change the position of the baby in the womb?

In no case should you try to put pressure on your stomach on your own to turn the child over. This is very dangerous for him.

The doctor observing the pregnancy may advise to stand for 10-15 minutes a day in a special position that promotes the turning of the fetus. To do this, you need to stand on all fours, leaning on your knees and elbows. So there is more space in the uterus, the child has the opportunity to roll over.

You will also be interested to read:

  • Life hacks for preparing for a cesarean section
  • Coping with your fear of getting pregnant and giving birth
  • Cons of vertical labor
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