When baby is in breech presentation

Finding the right position isn’t always easy. Some babies don’t get situated with their head facing down at the end of the pregnancy. It might feel a little alarming to discover that your baby is breech, but they are just as healthy as they would be with their head facing down, and being breech does not automatically mean birth via C-section, if that isn’t what you want. In most cases, your doctor or midwife will offer an attempt to turn the baby.

What causes breech presentation?

We don’t know why some babies don’t turn their head to face down as labour approaches, and it isn’t something you can control. Most babies turn early in the third trimester. But there are some exceptions, and when you go in to see your doctor or midwife, they might find that the baby isn’t positioned properly. In that case, you will be offered an attempt to turn the baby. Some babies might be in what’s called a transverse position, which means the baby is lying sideways (in which case an attempt to turn the baby would always be made, because this position makes it impossible to give birth vaginally).

The doctor might try to turn the baby

The reason you would want to try to turn a breech baby before giving birth is because it will be easier if the head comes out first – that way, the rest of the body can slide out. The attempt to turn the baby will be made by a doctor at some point between weeks 36 and 38. Generally speaking, the earlier you try to turn the baby, the easier it is to do – the baby is smaller, so there is more space in which to turn around. However, the baby also has more time to turn back around if they prefer being positioned with their head up. An attempt to turn the baby may or may not be successful: about half the time, you might have to try again. If this isn’t your first baby, you will have a slightly higher chance of success. In some circumstances, a doctor would not recommend a turning attempt.

C-section or breech delivery – when the head does not come out first

Sometimes, the baby won’t want to change positions in the belly and stays breech. In that case, you’ll have to decide whether to give birth vaginally or via C-section. The doctor will give you information and make a recommendation for the best delivery method based on the circumstances of your pregnancy. It might feel difficult and concerning to have to make a decision about something so big, but both options are safe, as long as there aren’t any complications preventing a vaginal delivery.

That said, the most common choice by far is a C-section, but some people opt for a breech delivery, which means the baby’s bottom and/or feet come down through the birth canal first.
There are a few different kinds of breech presentation:

• Frank breech – the bottom is facing down and the legs are bent or stretched up towards the face.
• Complete breech – the baby sits cross-legged.
• Footling breech – one or both feet are positioned to come out first.

It may be good to remind yourself that if your baby wants to be positioned sideways or head up, they’ll come out safely one way or another. If your baby isn’t positioned with their head facing down, it’s natural to be a little worried – maybe about an attempt to turn the baby, or complications. So it may feel good to talk to your doctor or midwife and have your questions answered. You might also wonder about how your baby will be delivered, but remember: it really doesn’t matter how they arrive in the world. All that matters is that your baby is born safe and sound, which everyone at the maternity ward will do their utmost to ensure.

Please note that all information above is based on Swedish recommendations.