Breech delivery: causes, how to prevent, & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is breech delivery?

During pregnancy, there is sufficient space in the uterus for the baby (fetus) to change position. To have a normal and safe position for the fetus for delivery, the baby needs to be in the head-down position at 36 weeks of gestation. However, this is not the case with those who experience breech labor.

Breech delivery occurs when the baby is born with the bottom first instead of the head. Approximately 3-5% of pregnant women (37-40 weeks of pregnancy) will have a baby with a breech delivery. Most babies with a breech position should be delivered by caesarean section because it is safer than a normal delivery (vaginally).

There are three breech positions that usually occur:

• Frank breech. The buttocks of the baby (fetus) are located first to come out during labor. Legs straight in front of the body, with feet near the head. This type is the most common type of breech position.
• Complete breech. The bottom of the baby's bottom near the delivery canal. The legs are bent and are located near the buttocks.
• Footling breech. One or both legs dangling under the buttocks. One or both legs are located to come out first during labor.

How common are breech deliveries?

This condition is very common. Breech birth can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a breech labor?

Babies are believed to be not breech until around 35 or 36 weeks. Normally, during labor preparation, the baby usually turns so that its head is down to get into the correct position. It's normal for babies to have their head down or on their sides before 35 weeks.

After that, as the baby gets bigger and the space gets narrower, it becomes more difficult for the baby to turn around and get into the correct position.

The doctor can tell if your baby is breech by feeling the baby's position on your stomach. Using an ultrasound, the doctor can determine if your baby is breech before you give birth.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes breech labor?

• If the woman has been pregnant several times before
• Are pregnant with twins
• If the woman has given birth before prematurely
• If the uterus has too much or too little amniotic fluid, it means that the baby has either too much room to move or not enough fluid to move
• If the woman has an abnormal uterine shape or has other complications, such as uterine fibroids
• If the woman has placenta previa

Triggers

What puts a person at risk for breech labor?

There are many risk factors for breech delivery, namely:

• Premature labor
• Increased number of deliveries
• Multiple pregnancy
• Previous breech delivery
• Pelvic tumor
• Old birth age
• Too much amniotic fluid (hydramnion) can cause the baby to move too much.
• Too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) can block the final movement of the fetus to position its head.
• Implantation of the placenta in the cervix, leaving too much movement room for the fetus in the uterus
• Hydrocephalus or enlargement of the head in the fetus, makes it difficult for the fetus to move the correct head position during delivery.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is breech delivery diagnosed?

During a routine pregnancy check, the doctor will feel the upper and lower abdomen and perform an ultrasound of the fetus to find out if the baby is in a breech position. By examining the uterus, the doctor also confirms whether your baby is breech.

How is breech delivery handled?

The success rate for turning a breech pregnancy depends on the cause of your baby being breech. However, as long as you try a safe method, there's nothing to worry about.

• External version (EV). EV is a procedure in which the doctor will try to manually rotate the baby into the correct position by manipulating the baby by hand through your stomach.
• Essential oil. Some successful attempts use essential oils, such as mint oil on the stomach to stimulate the baby to spin on his own. However, do consult with your doctor before using essential oils while pregnant. There may be side effects that you need to be aware of.
• Inversion. Inverting the body to encourage the baby to turn around is also a popular method.

There are actually many different methods such as standing with your hands in the pool, supporting your hips with a pillow, or even using a ladder to help lift your pelvis.

Prevention

What can I do to treat breech delivery?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with breech labor:

• It is very important to visit the doctor regularly during pregnancy. The doctor can tell if your baby is breech and can help plan what to do.
• Some doctors recommend caesarean section delivery. Some doctors can give patients exercises to do at home that can help turn the baby into head-first position.
• If the procedure is successful and the baby remains in the head-down position, a normal vaginal delivery may be possible.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.