Breech position baby

Why is your baby breech?

In the last few weeks of pregnancy, most babies are in a head down position in the womb. This is called a cephalic presentation. About 3% of babies are in a breech presentation after 37 weeks of pregnancy. This is when the baby’s bottom or feet are coming first. Usually there is no obvious reason why a baby remains in the bottom down position. In a few situations certain factors make it difficult for a baby to turn. These may include the amount of fluid in the womb, the position of the placenta or the presence of more than one baby.

A vaginal birth can be more complicated if the baby is in the breech position, compared to those born head first and your midwife and doctor will be able to discuss this with you to help you make a plan for birthing your baby.

What happens if your baby is breech?

If after 36 weeks your baby is in the breech position, your midwife of doctor may offer you an ECV (External Cephalic Version) if appropriate to your individual circumstances. This is where a doctor will use gentle pressure on your abdomen to help turn the baby in to a head down position in the womb. If this is successful, it will increase the likelihood of you having a vaginal delivery.

Your midwife or doctor will be able to discuss the options with you if your baby is breech. More information about can be found in the leaflet Turning a Breech Position Baby.