If your baby is breech and you want to avoid having a cesarean, there are many ways to learn how to turn a breech baby to head down (vertex).
While the common practice for many years was to delivery breech babies vaginally and obstetricians in the 1960's and 1970's were trained with the appropriate skills for this more complicated delivery, delivering breech babies vaginally is becoming more and more of a lost skill as obstetricians are focusing more on surgery and performing cesareans instead. And few women are given strategies to turn their breech babies to vertex (head down.)
My mother's fifth and last child was born in 1970 vaginally in a frank breech position without complications. My mother would have a 97% chance of having a cesarean if my youngest sister would have been born today.
Breech babies make up for about 4% of all pregnancies today. There are several different positions that are all considered to be breech:
Footling breech - feet first
Complete breech - baby sitting on heels (Buddha style)
Frank breech - bottom first, with feet up by head
It is common for mothers with breech babies to hear that the "only" thing they can do is to have a cesarean. The truth is that there are several options for breech babies:
1. Turn the baby to head down/vertex and proceed with a vaginal birth. (see below)
Are there effective ways that You can turn your breech baby to a vertex position? Some say "no" that nothing works to turn a breech baby. Yet there are several methods that women and birth professionals can work together to turn breech babies to a vertex position.
Here are 17 Ways to Turn Your Breech Baby!
Be sure to check with your provider before trying the positions for turning a breech baby to see if there is any reason why you should not use them.
1. Visualizing the baby moving down with the head very deep in your pelvis, several times a day; especially in conjunction with positions and exercises below.
2. Swimming as often as possible. This keeps your body and pelvis loose and relaxed. Do in conjunction with headstand below if you have help.
3. Headstand - with assistance and in a pool frequently as possible.
4. Breech Tilt - begin at 32-35 weeks gestation. Do 3 times daily for 10-15 minutes each time, when you have an empty stomach, and the baby is active. Prop one end of an ironing board securely on a sofa or chair 12 to 18 inches high (or may use slant board). Lie down, bend knees but keep feet flat on board. Relax, breathe deeply, avoid tensing. May also use pillows on a flat surface to raise hips 12-18" above shoulders. Gravity pushes the baby's head into the fundus, tucks it, and baby can then do a somersault to a vertex position.
5. CD/iPod headphones - place them inside mom's pants toward her pubic bone and play classical music for 10 minutes 6-8 times a day.
6. Flashlight - try moving slowly down from the top of the uterus toward your pubic bone while you are in a breech tilt position.
7. Massage - start with your left hand at the bottom of the abdomen and your right hand just above it. Move move your hands clockwise around the right side of your tummy. As your right hand reaches the top of your abdomen, slide the left one over your right and move it down the left side of your tummy. Your left hand leads as you you come full circle, continuing clockwise. Massage gently as you would to apply lotion. Massage for ten minutes or more up to several times each day.
8. Clothespin - place on the small toe of each foot at the outside corner of the toenail; sideways so that the toenail and toepad are stimulated for 30 minutes per day, this is an acupressure point that is a "moving down" point. You can also do this with just finger pressure as you remember to do it.
9. Motion Sickness band - place with the bead four fingerwidths above the inner ankle bone - another acupressure point that is used for stimulation of the uterus. Do not use this point if you are experiencing any pre-term labor.
10. Glass of orange or other juice - follow this with a side-lying position with your hips positioned higher than your feet. Babies move more after a sugar high!
11. Pelvic Tilt- with an ice pack on the top of your tummy on an empty stomach, 10 minutes twice a day. Do this while lying on your back on the floor with knees flexed and feet on the floor with three large pillows placed under your buttocks. Try this in conjunction with headphones and visualization.
12. Cat stretch - start with all fours, then lay your head and chest flat on the floor with your buttocks in the air, as you round your back and return to all fours.
13. Knee-chest position - by kneeling with hips flexed slightly more than 90 degree, but with thighs not pressing against your tummy and your head, shoulders and upper chest are flat on a mattress for 15 minutes every two waking hours for five days.
14. Belly Relaxing followed by Inversion - Partner places a shawl, sheet, towel or rebozo under mom's hips as she lays on the floor. Lift up on the corners of the cloth and shimmy her from side to side moving your hands up and down to wiggle her belly from side to side. These should be very small movements which mom should find very relaxing. Do this for about 5 minutes. Then mother kneels on the stairway landing. Walk your hands down 2 or 3 stairs into an all fours position; have your partner support your shoulders to balance you. Remain in this position for about 5-10 minutes or as long as comfortable. Also do this on an empty stomach.
The following techniques to turn breech babies to vertex involve the assistance of a specialist or medical professional:
15. Acupuncture - find a acupuncturist who is familiar with pregnancy and knows the points to stimulate for turning a breech baby.
16. Webster's Breech Technique - see a Chiropractor who is experienced in this technique.
17. External Version - this can be done in the hospital at about 37 weeks; see an Ob-Gyn for assistance and more information.
For more information about how to reduce your chances of having a cesarean, click here.
Did you have a breech baby? What was your experience like? Or do you currently have a breech baby? What methods have you tried? Share your story!
The copyright of the article Turning A Breech Baby in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Brenda Lane. Permission to republish Turning A Breech Baby in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Thank you for a wonderful and informative site. I am pregnant with or
fifth baby. I am 33 weeks pregnant at the moment and our little one is
still breech. I have been researching many sites on breech birth and ways
of turning (hopefully) the bub. Your site is by far the most
informative.
Thank you
Donna Scott
Sep 9, 2008 11:33 PM
Guest
:
I am an independent midwife and pregnant and have just found out our baby
is extended breech. I will be trying acupuncture as soon as possible as I
am 36 weeks and planning another home birth. I will also try homeopathy and
suggest if you choose to try this avenue to go yo a qualified recommended
homeopath. At 33 weeks your baby has a very high chance of turning on its
own anyway. Good luck.
Sep 10, 2008 10:32 AM
Guest
:
I am 31 weeks and my little or should I say big guy is breech. They say he
is 4lbs 8oz already. I DO NOT want a c-section unless it's life or death or
the absolute last resort. I plan on trying some if not all of these methods
as I get closer and if doc doesn't agree to trying the External Version
then I will leave and find someone who does. Thanks for all the
wonderful information. I'm sharing with my friends on momstampabay.com
Sep 17, 2008 7:35 PM
Guest
:
Our third child was footling breech with his chord wrapped around his neck
twice. We found this out at 36 weeks. A c-section was scheduled. I was
devastated...about the chord and about the surgery. The ultra sound right
before the section indicated that the chord was no longer wrapped around
the neck, however with the catheter in and the staff ready and waiting to
wheel me to surgery, I didn't have the guts to say, "Hey, can we try
to turn the baby and do this vaginally?" So, here we are again, with
our fourth, and I am at 33 weeks, and his head hasn't gone down either. My
midwife says we don't need to worry until my next visit. Then we will do
another ultra sound to make sure the chord isn't around this little guy's
neck so they can try what I think to be external version. I hope and pray I
can have this baby naturally this time. The recovery is so much easier. I
swear, nothing went back to normal after that c-section either. Sex was
extremely painful, and I had this little pouch right above my scar that I
hadn't ever had before. Pants just don't fit the same with that weird
cesarean pouch. But, the baby was healthy and happy, and this meant the
world to me. I will always wonder if something could have been done
though, and I really don't want to go through the c-section again.
Sep 18, 2008 6:34 PM
Guest
:
I'm a first time mother at 38 weeks and just found out that my baby is
breech. Your site is very informative and would have been of some help if I
had known about the breech earlier. The only thing that I can hope for is
for the c-section to turn out right.
Oct 3, 2008 9:08 PM
Guest
:
I am having my 4th baby, and the first was breech not expected except found
during labour... forceps and great Doctors saved a c-sec.. this time again
breech, trying all I can and to no avail... back to the pool tomm... hoping
swimming will do it. If a c-section,it will be my first, but for the sake
of an easier transition for my baby, I am ok with that too... Good luck to
all..
Oct 8, 2008 6:09 AM
Guest
:
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Oct 8, 2008 6:09 AM
Guest
:
Very nice site!
Oct 8, 2008 6:09 AM
Guest
:
Very nice site!
Oct 9, 2008 9:40 AM
Guest
:
I am 33 weeks and my baby seems to be stuck in a strange position she is
down but to the left of the birth canal. She seems to be face forward with
her shoulder and arm stuck right in my pelvis. Can these exersices help
this kind of situation. This will be my 9th child. 4th biological. We
adopted a family of 5 last year. I really want to have the home birth so my
family can be more involved. I am mortified of having a c-section. I
haven't had the epidural ever because I don't do well with anethesia. So i
want o do all I can to avoid it. Do any of you ladies have advice for my
babies strange positioning?
Oct 12, 2008 11:45 AM
Guest
:
Very nice site!
Oct 22, 2008 1:02 PM
Guest
:
oh my god i tryed the headstand thing and it WORKED i am so thankful to u
!!! i reckomend it for everyone but one peice of advice do not try when
pregnant!!!
Oct 29, 2008 6:40 PM
Guest
:
this is my 4th child and i am 31wks right now. My baby is measuring @
32wks. He is breech and I am so afraid of having a c-section. That is the
last resort for sure. My doctor says that she won't schedule another ultra
sound to see if he's turned until 36 wks. She says he has plenty of time
and room to turn around...I pray that he does, I've never had any surgery
before and I really don't want to. So I guess my 2 questions are: Do babys
ususally turn around @ this far along in the pregnancy and how do I know
that he has turned around? before i start these exersizes or should I go
ahead and start them? hicks.terrika@yahoo.com
Nov 19, 2008 2:59 PM
Guest
:
im 36 weeks with my first and she hasnt turned at all i have tried
everything i can think of to turn but she wont my doctor is going to try to
turn her but if she doesnt turn i have to have a c section
Jan 8, 2009 7:45 AM
Guest
:
I plan to use a few of these techniques. I will post back to let you know
if one worked!
Jan 11, 2009 1:51 PM
Guest
:
I am 36 weeks with my first child and he is currently in the frank breech
position. We went last week and tried the external version to no avail.
For anyone considering this method you should know that it is a bit painful
and will leave you sore for a couple of days, although had it worked it
would have been worth it. I have also been for acupuncture (the procedure
is called moxibustion) I am hopeful but will also be trying some of your
techniques- anything to avoid c-section! They have scheduled me in three
weeks. . . wish me luck! I will let you know if any of it works out.
Jan 12, 2009 3:24 PM
Guest
:
Thank you so much for your helpful website. I tried various things from 32
weeks onwards, but had no luck. We got to 37 weeks and still baby was
breech, but the day before our presentation scan (37+3) I once again tried
the pelvic tilt with icepack at top of tummy and MP3 headphones playing at
bottom of tummy for 2 x 20 minute sessions and it worked! Baby has now
been confirmed as head down, so fingers crossed he stays there. Thanks
again for your help. Claire
Jan 16, 2009 6:54 AM
Guest
:
HI im 38weeks pregnant and this is my first pregnancy and my baby is
breech.I had the external vision but it did not work for me plus i found it
very painfull something i would not go through again.So have been booked in
for c section but will give the music thing ago to see if that
works.keeping my fingers crossed it does as dont really want c section if
can help it.
Jan 17, 2009 5:35 PM
Guest
:
These suggestions are quite helpful, but I would love to hear more success
stories. It's pretty easy to feel hopeless (the pregnancy hormones are
making things a little more pronounced as well). Someone tell me that
these really might work for me (at 36 weeks)!
Jan 20, 2009 2:38 PM
Guest
:
Thank you for your suggestions, can you tell me if we should try this when
carrying twins. I am 32 weeks pregnant with twins that are both in breach
position. I desperately do not want to have a c-section and am wondering
if this techniques will be safe with twin pregnancies. Thank you, Lisa Futcher.
Jan 26, 2009 2:55 PM
Guest
:
I am 38 weeks today. Knowing for a while that my baby was breech as I saw
in ultrasound, I have been trying things to turn her. I tried 1,2,3,4,5, 10
and 14. But the only thing that worked was having my doctor do it. I do
believe that it's worth trying a few of these things but don't stress about
it. I only knew where her head and back were. That was the problem. The
doctor was able to see in ultrasound where the PLACENTA was and that makes
a BIG diference since the baby can't turn in the spot that is blocked. It
took less than 15 seconds and was a little bit uncomfortable but not that
bad. I just kept breathing and relaxing as much as I could. Another point
to make is that he had a better angle than I. I am limited to my arms that
are connected to me. He could be carefully positioned. He is more
experienced too. My plan now is to be hopeful that she will stay head down
and if not, he can turn her again and just before delivery. This is my
fifth baby(delivery) and my water has never broke on its own so that is god
for having enough fliud in there to turn her before breaking my water.
Feb 3, 2009 9:16 AM
Guest
:
can you move a breech baby that is over 40 weeks? What if they were head
down a week or two ago?
Feb 3, 2009 11:01 AM
Guest
:
My first was breech very late in the pregnancy and my midwives suggested
lying on the inverted ironing board for 10 min a day. Worked like a charm!
Now at 34 weeks with my second--just found out this one also breech. Will
try the same thing as well as suggestions above. Also ladies, the
homeopathic remedy pulsatilla is said to turn babies as well. You can find
this at health food stores, and it is very safe for pregnancy. (I just took
my first dose). Several yoga poses: downward dog and bridge pose also
known to turn babies. You can also check out the site spinningbabies.com.
Do not give up (even if late in the pregnancy and already scheduled for a
C-sec)! Babies have been breech and moved for hundred of years before they
had surgical options. Our bodies are wise, and we can do it! Don't give
into a medical centered birth unless absolutely necessary. We need to
trust our bodies' wisdom!
Feb 8, 2009 8:43 AM
Guest
:
I don't get all the negativity about having a C-Section. I understand that
the recovery is longer, but if it's between that and putting yourself and
your baby at risk, why stress over it? Does it really make any difference
in the child's health & development over their life whether they were
born by C-Section or came through the birth canal? To hear people are
doing home birth's with a breech baby...are you crazy? Again...is the
child going to be smarter, healthier and/or stronger because it was born at
your house? Help me understand why someone whould jepordize your and your
child's life to do this?
Feb 12, 2009 9:36 AM
Guest
:
To the poster who said whats all the fuss about caesareans? Because its a
MAJOR operation and dangerous for both the baby and the mother. The
reasearch here in the uk was found that providing there was EXPERIENCED
midwives at the birth it was actually SAFER to deliver vaginally than c
section. The problem is these days no-one is getting any training in
breech births, because they have all been used to ceasareans! Read INA May
Gaskins couple of books about why we should only resort to c sections in
life or death cases and why they are dangerous, and the research that has
been found.
Feb 13, 2009 3:27 PM
Guest
:
I am on my second child and she is breech. I'm also having problems with
the doctor. He is refusing to listen to anything I say and is pretty much
in a nice way to say there's no way around a c-section. I was forced to
have a c-section with my son four years ago because I was preclamic. I'm at
36 weeks. I don't know what to do. I hope this works. I can't bare to have
another c-section again. I'm also trying to find a doctor who is willing to
at least listen to what I have to say and not take any offense to a
question I or a family member asks. So, I pray to god that these techniques
will work for me.
Feb 14, 2009 3:55 PM
Guest
:
I am pregnant with my second child and my little one is breech.am
25weeks,and my doctor said if it dont turn by 32weeks he would have to give
me a c-section. right now am very scared.because of my problem my blood
pressure is very hight also.thinks to your website am able to understand
this much better.THANK U.
MRS JOSEPH February 14th 2009.
Feb 19, 2009 8:05 AM
Guest
:
The UK National Health Service gives the risk of death for the mother as
three times that of a vaginal birth. However, it is misleading to directly
compare the mortality rates of vaginal and caesarean deliveries. Women with
severe medical conditions, or higher-risk pregnancies, often require a
caesarean section which can distort the mortality figures.
A
study published in the 13 February 2007 issue of the Canadian Medical
Association Journal found that the absolute differences in severe maternal
morbity and mortality was small.
Yes, our bodies are 'wise' and
the baby can turn naturally with some prodding, but NEVER choose unproven,
so-called 'natural' methods over modern medical science. You doctor is in
the best position to give you the proper guidance...not some guy sticking
needles into your toes.
Feb 25, 2009 9:15 AM
Guest
:
I was just informed today that my baby is breech. I was so scare and a
little confuse. But thanks for the information that there still light at
the end of the road. I'm 29 weeks and will try to make my baby move with
the help of your information and God.
Thanks
Shark
Feb 27, 2009 12:26 AM
Guest
:
I'd try the swimming Louise if you can still get into your suit ! Ann
Feb 27, 2009 8:52 AM
Guest
:
36 weeks today and just found out that my baby is breech. Have had my first
Pulsatilla (homeopathic meds) and trying Moxibustion tomorrow. Will also
try some of the other positioning techniques. Moxibustion involves
burning herbs and I am having it done by a professional trained for many
years in their field. It is not 'Western modern medical science' but I
believe offers a much more subtle and deeper approach (based on 1000s of
years of practice) that anything a doctor could offer. Will update on
any progress.
Feb 28, 2009 2:59 PM
Guest
:
My second was breech. My doctor did an ECV at around 38 weeks, he gave me
the epidural first, thank goodness, then as soon as he got her turned, he
broke my water and started the pitocin. After 12 hours of labor, she was
born just fine. This time my LO is breech again, I am 35 weeks along. I am
hoping he will turn on his own, and not be like his stubborn sister. The
ECV really isn't bad when my doc does it, like I said, he gives the
epidural first to relax the uterus and just in case I need an emergency
C-section. He monitors the baby with ultrasound during it to make sure the
baby is doing fine. I will do the ECV again this time if I have to. I
really really don't want a C-section, I have 3 young children at home right
now, and I'm afraid the recovery will be really difficult while trying to
care for them as well, especially with my 33lb 2yo who still wants me to
hold him frequently.
Mar 6, 2009 8:11 AM
Guest
:
Thank you for the information. I am 38 weeks pregnant with my first and he
has recently moved into the frank breech position. I am so disappointed as
I have prepared for nine months to have a very natural birth at the
hospital. I am praying that one of these tips works!
Thanks
again!
Aimee Davis
Mar 10, 2009 4:15 AM
Guest
:
I am currently 31 weeks and at my 30 week scan i was told the baby was
breeched. The doctor said it just in passing he was not one bit concerned
but of course i am. I will try a few of these methods a friend of mine
tried the earphones and within hours she felt a lot of moment and on her
next scan baby was ready to go.
Mar 12, 2009 12:57 PM
Guest
:
I went and had my baby turned today i am 37 weeks in my case it was
unsuccesful.I found the procedure VERY PAINFUL my baby didnt budge an inch
don't want to scare any 1 whos gunna have it done but i asked the nurse if
it was painful she said i won't feel it if i knew it would hurt that bad i
wouldnt have put me and my baby through it i just wanted other women to
know the truth because i went in under false pretenses.
Mar 16, 2009 10:31 PM
Guest
:
My first baby was breech with her butt wedged deep in my pelvis. I had a
c-section, which I wasn't very happy about, but I felt it was for the best.
I know recovery can be hard for some people, but for me it was a breeze.
My mom had a very difficult delivery with my brother, who was born with
cerebral palsy. I would not taken even the smallest chance that something
like that could happen to my child if there was any way I could prevent it.
If your baby is breech and your doc says it's ok to go forward with
vaginal delivery, that's wonderful news. But to all the women bemoaning
c-sections: It's really not that bad. The important thing is that you and
your baby are safe and healthy. I'm now pregnant with second and hope this
one is right-side down! Good luck to all!
Apr 29, 2009 5:02 PM
Guest
:
My son was head down at 37 weeks. I then clearly felt him turn to the
breech position. I'd had 3 other babies so I've gotten pretty good at
telling if they are head up or head down by being aware of where the head
and bottom are and paying attention to where hiccups and kicks are coming
from. I was concerned about him staying breech after has hadnt readjusted
after a few days. I then read online about turning your own baby. I used
to method of getting on hands and knees and then lowering the top half of
my body to the floor. I then gently massaged him with a little pressure
and again clearly felt him turn. It worked! I was a little nervous about
putting pull force on his cord and disturbing the placenta though. Kind of
scary not being able to see what you are doing.
May 27, 2009 5:59 PM
Guest
:
WE DID IT!! We turned the baby ourselves at 36 &1/2 weeks. At 36
weeks we were looking at a breech Ceserean birth. I did the breech tilt 3
times a day for 15-20, which is REALLY hard on your breathing, but it was
worth it. We also did massage on the baby at the same time, and I think
that was very helpful - upside down gives the baby the extra room to come
slightly out of the pelvis, and the massage encourages the rotation. On
days I felt like I couldn't manage the tilt when the baby was active (the
best time to do the tilts), I stuffed pillows under my pelvis, so I would
be ever so slightly inclined, but still comfortable and played music in my
pelvis (headphones). I must also add that our babies (this is our second)
tend to prefer rock'n'roll...it doesn't have to be classical music. Play
the music that soothes you, Moms! Finally I used a little mantra that I
just told myself and the baby whenever I thought about it that encouraged
the correct position. (I still do this, just in case) We are SO HAPPY
to be able to have the opportunity for a natural birth, and I just want all
of you to know IT CAN BE DONE! Don't give up! You and the baby can do it
together!!!
Jun 26, 2009 12:17 AM
Guest
:
im 37 weeks and a couple weeks ago found out my baby still hasnt turned,
week by week the doc just keeps saying the same thing to give him a nother
week before trying external version, my placenta and cord are in good
positions for it and all, im refuse to have a cesarean without putting up a
fight. This is my second child, im worried because i started losing my
mucus plug a few days ago and i dont wanna emergency c section. iom tried
lots of excersises to turn him, hes just stuborn. i hope this
version is safe after 37 weeks ive been patiently waiting for the doctor to
sing the order
Jun 27, 2009 2:04 PM
Guest
:
my last baby (this is to be baby 3) was breech from 32-37.5wks i used
pulsatilla and pelvic tilts with him. has anyone with an anterior (front)
placenta tried these things and had them work?? as this little pickle is
frank breech and docs wont even entertain a vaginal birth and having had my
last 2 naturally i really dont want a section. im nearly 32wks. x
Jun 29, 2009 8:02 AM
Guest
:
I tried everything to turn my baby. I was told I was breech at 35 weeks so
started to try and turn him naturally before my EVC at 37 weeks. I tried
moxibuston, cranial osteopath, swimming, headstands, lights and music near
my fou fou!, rocking on all fours, bum in the air resting on elbows and
visualation. Nothing actually worked 100%, apart from the EVC which was
scary, very uncomfortable but totally worth it. I beleive some of the
other methods such as the cranial osteopathy may have aligned me to help
the rotation. I think my baby just settled head up, got comfy then
couldn't turn- but maybe he would have closer to due date...who knows. But
my advice would be to adopt an all fours or knees and elbows position as
often as you can from 32 weeks to encourage the baby to do a sommersault
and turn head down. Hope that helps L.
