Breech deliveries are, basically, where your baby positions itself for birth with his or her feet pointing downwards towards the birth canal. There are different positions within the umbrella term "breech", but fundamentally it may mean that your child will need an assisted delivery or caesarian section to come into the world.
Why do babies assume a breech position?
There are numerous reasons why a baby might be in breech position. These might include there being too much or not enough amniotic fluid, having a smaller than average baby, if you are expecting more than one child and if the placenta is covering the entrance to the womb.
How do I know if my baby's breech?
Usually your doctor or midwife will have picked up on your baby's position during routine antenatal visits, often by feeling his or her position in your womb. If there is any doubt, the position is usually confirmed by way of ultrasound examination.
Is there any way that I can turn my baby in the womb?
Many breech babies eventually "right" themselves as pregnancies progress towards their culminations, even if it is only a few days beforehand. Otherwise, doctors may try to manipulate your baby into position, often near the time of birth.
What happens if my baby is still breech and I go into labour?
Again, your obstetrician may attempt to turn your baby as you go into labour — he or she will probably have already spoken with you about the possibilities. Each method of delivering a breech child will depend on the size, weight and general health of both mother and child, as well as the actual breech position that your baby is in. It is impossible to generalise at this point, as every case is individual and must be assessed by doctors.
Many experts recommend a caesarian section as routine for breech babies, although some will recommend that they see how the labour progresses naturally before booking in the procedure. Should natural labour go ahead, often forceps will be used to help the baby's exit, and an episiotomy is often made to facilitate progress through the birth canal. Doctors may also recommend that the mother have an epidural to avoid bearing down too heavily, too early, on the baby.
Is having a breech baby dangerous?
These days, in modern hospitals, having a breech baby is not dangerous as long as the situation is carefully monitored. If you and your obstetrician decide to proceed with a natural birth, your baby's heart rate will be carefully monitored for any sign of foetal distress — at the first sign of anything untoward it is likely that you will give birth by caesarian section. These days, caesarian deliveries are very nearly as safe as vaginal births — so whichever way your baby arrives, the chances are your new family will be happy and healthy with absolutely no problems.
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