Breech Baby: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

A breech baby is when the baby's buttocks or feet are positioned to be born first instead of the head. This can make delivery more challenging but doesn't always cause problems. Around 3-4% of full-term pregnancies involve breech presentation. It's essential for healthcare providers to identify this early to plan for a safe birth. While some breech babies can be delivered vaginally, a cesarean section is often recommended to reduce risks during birth. Your healthcare provider will discuss the best option for you and your baby.

Causes of Breech Baby

When a baby is in the breech position, it means they are positioned bottom-down instead of head-down as they should be for a smoother delivery. Several factors can contribute to a baby being breech, such as:

• Multiple pregnancies
• Premature birth
• Too much or too little amniotic fluid
• Abnormalities in the uterus
• An unusually shaped uterus

Symptoms of Breech Baby

Detecting a breech baby early is crucial as it allows for appropriate management and planning to improve outcomes. Symptoms of a breech presentation may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hard, round lump in the upper abdomen
• Kicking sensations higher up in the abdomen
• Feeling kicks in the chest area

Early recognition of these signs can prompt timely interventions, such as external cephalic version or a planned cesarean section, reducing the risk of complications during delivery. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation and management.

Diagnosis of Breech Baby

Diagnosing a breech presentation is crucial as it impacts the delivery plan to ensure the safety of both the baby and the mother. Methods used for diagnosing a breech baby include:

• Physical examination by a healthcare provider to feel the baby's position
• Ultrasound scan to confirm the baby's presentation

Accurate diagnosis allows healthcare providers to determine the safest mode of delivery, whether vaginal or cesarean, minimizing risks associated with breech births. Early detection enables appropriate interventions and preparations for a successful delivery.

Treatment Options for Breech Baby

When managing a breech presentation, individualized care is vital. Several approaches can be considered for treating a breech baby. Here are the main treatment options:

1. External Cephalic Version (ECV)

• ECV involves manually rotating the baby into a head-down position from the outside of the abdomen.
• This method is used to reduce the chances of complications during vaginal delivery.
• The primary objective is to facilitate a vaginal delivery and reduce the need for a cesarean section.
• The procedure is typically done in a hospital setting and may involve ultrasound guidance.

2. Planned Cesarean Section

• A planned cesarean section involves delivering the baby through surgery before the onset of labor.
• This approach is chosen when the risks of a vaginal breech birth are considered higher than a cesarean section.
• The main goal is to ensure the safety of both the baby and the mother during delivery.
• The cesarean section is scheduled in advance, allowing for proper preparation and a controlled delivery.

Prevention and Management of Breech Baby

When dealing with a breech baby, lifestyle changes and proactive measures can play a significant role in prevention and management. Here's how you can approach it:

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Stay active with exercises that encourage optimal fetal positioning.
• Practice techniques like pelvic tilts and inversions to help the baby turn.
• Maintain good posture to create more room for the baby to move.

Regular Screenings:

• Attend prenatal appointments for regular check-ups and monitoring.
• Discuss the baby's position with your healthcare provider.
• Consider options like external cephalic version if needed.

Supportive Care:

• Explore alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care.
• Seek guidance from a doula or midwife experienced in breech deliveries.
• Stay informed and communicate openly with your healthcare team.

If you’ve been having any symptoms or worries about breech baby, please reach out to our doctors. They will listen to your concerns, answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.