Discovering that your baby is in a breech position can be a source of concern for many expectant moms. However, it’s essential to know that various options and techniques are available to help encourage your baby to assume a head-down position. In this blog post, we’ll explore some proactive steps pregnant moms can take if they find out their baby is in a breech presentation. But before we dive into that, let’s understand what it means for your baby to be “breech”.

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What is Breech Positioning?

Understanding the position of your baby in the womb is an essential aspect of prenatal care. A breech position occurs when the baby’s head is located upward toward the ribcage, rather than facing downward toward the birth canal. You may also be told, that your baby is in the transverse position. Which means the baby is lying horizontally across the uterus. 

Ideally, the optimal baby position for a smoother delivery is head down, facing the mother’s spine. This positioning, known as the cephalic presentation, is considered optimal because it facilitates the baby’s descent through the birth canal during labor. 

While breech and transverse positions are not uncommon, many expectant moms aim to encourage their babies to assume the cephalic presentation through various techniques and exercises, promoting a more straightforward and safer birthing experience. 

Below we are going to discuss 4 different options that are accessible to many pregnant moms to help them encourage their baby to be in an optimal position for delivery. But before you dive in, remember to always consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your specific situation and explore the best options for you and your baby.

Webster Trained Chiropractor

One option that many moms find helpful is seeking the expertise of a Webster trained chiropractor. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment aimed at reducing interference to the nervous system and improving pelvic function by reducing something called intrauterine constraint. When the mother’s pelvis, spine and/or nervous system is out of balance, the uterus may get stuck, and lack the free motion it should have for baby to find it’s way to the optimal position. By addressing balance in the pelvis, spine, and nervous system, chiropractors trained in this technique have an 82% success rate in helping baby move into a head down position. (Source: PMID: 12183701) It is important to note that this technique brings balance to the mother’s body and thus creates a more optimal environment for the baby to move into the head-down position. Chiropractors cannot use this technique to turn babies. 

Spinning Babies

Spinning Babies is an approach that focuses on balancing the muscles and ligaments surrounding the pelvis. The exercises and techniques taught by Spinning Babies aims to promote optimal fetal positioning for a smoother and more straightforward birth. Moms can explore Spinning Babies techniques to encourage their baby to turn and reduce the likelihood of a breech presentation.

BirthFit Exercises

BirthFit is a fitness program designed specifically for pregnancy and postpartum. Incorporating Birth Fit exercises into your routine can help strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and support optimal fetal positioning. 

While no exercise routine is one size fits all, here is a great routine to try if you find out your baby is not in an optimal position.

Breech Presenting Baby

Transverse Presenting Baby

These exercises focus on core strength, pelvic floor health, and overall body awareness, which can contribute to creating a conducive environment for the baby to turn head-down.

External Cephalic Version (ECV) Procedure:

For those seeking a more medical intervention, an External Cephalic Version (ECV) may be an option. ECV is a procedure performed by healthcare providers to manually turn the baby from a breech to a head-down position. Of the options listed, this is the ONLY one that is directly attempting to turn the baby. This procedure is typically done in the later stages of pregnancy and requires careful monitoring. While effective for some, it’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before deciding on this option.

Discovering that your baby is in a breech position may initially be unsettling, but there are proactive steps you can take to encourage a favorable outcome. From seeking the expertise of a Webster trained chiropractor to exploring exercises from Spinning Babies and BirthFit, there are non-invasive approaches that align with a holistic approach to pregnancy. If considering a medical intervention like ECV, it’s crucial to have an open and informed discussion with your healthcare provider. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and discussing your options with your healthcare team will help you make the best decision for you and your baby’s well-being.