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How are breech babies delivered?In Canada, it was common for most breech babies to be delivered through a caesarean section (C-section). With this method, the baby is delivered through incisions made in the mother’s stomach. Today, health-care professionals recommend that in some circumstances, breech babies may be delivered the traditional way, through the vagina. Vaginal childbirth has health benefits for the mother such as a faster recovery and less pain, as well as a better chance of having a vaginal childbirth in the future.
When can a mother deliver her baby the traditional way?It may be possible to deliver a breech baby vaginally if your health-care professional is trained in vaginal breech childbirth and other birth factors are normal:
What happens during vaginal breech childbirth?When a baby is breech, a vaginal birth may be more difficult for the baby. The head is the widest part of the baby’s body. During normal vaginal childbirth, it would come out first . However, in a breech vaginal birth, the head comes out last. During vaginal breech childbirth, you push your baby out of the birth canal right up to the point where the legs and lower belly are delivered. Then, your health-care professional will support your baby’s body while an assistant (such as a nurse or midwife) presses on your lower abdomen. This will help your baby’s head pass through the pelvis as you push. In some cases, the health-care professional may use other manoeuvers or an instrument called a forceps to help deliver your baby’s head. Even if you and your doctor decide to try a vaginal childbirth, a C-section may be necessary for you and your baby’s wellbeing if the labour is not progressing properly. For this reason, a breech delivery should happen in a hospital, where a C-section is available if you need one.
When is a caesarean section recommended?With a breech presentation, your doctor may recommend a C-section if:
A C-section, like any major surgery, has its risks, such as increased bleeding, pain, or infection. The recovery time is longer than vaginal childbirth, so expect to stay in the hospital longer. Once you go home, you will need to take it easy by avoiding any strenuous activities while you heal. Talk to your health-care professional about recovering from a C-section.
How do I know the baby’s position?You probably will not know the position of your baby in the womb. You will likely find out if your baby is breech towards the end of pregnancy or when labour has started. A health-care professional will examine you to feel the position of the baby’s head, back, and buttocks. Ultrasound will be used to confirm the position. This produces an image of the baby inside the womb you may view on screen.
Changing the baby’s positionMost babies are positioned head down in the last four weeks in the womb, but if your baby is breech, and you are past your 36th week of pregnancy, your health-care professional may try to turn the baby around so its head is down near the birth canal. A technique called version is used to gently roll the baby around so the head is in the best position for labour and delivery. Your health-care professional will place his or her hands on your abdomen, then push or lift. You may be given a medication to relax the uterus and make the version procedure easier. During the procedure, your baby’s heart rate will be monitored and ultrasound may be used to check the baby’s position. Very rarely, version may cause problems with the baby’s heart rate or lead to early labour. Your health-care professional will be ready to deliver your baby if necessary, vaginally or by C-section. Sometimes, the baby will move back into breech position. If you believe your baby has switched positions again, discuss this at your next prenatal check-up. Your health-care professional may try version again, but as the baby grows in the final weeks of pregnancy, there is less room for movement in the womb.
Finally…A breech childbirth does not necessarily mean you will have a C-section. Your health-care provider will help you understand your options so you can make the best decision for your health and the health of your baby.
To learn more about breech childbirth, look at these resources:
Last Updated July 2, 2009
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The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) 780 Echo Drive Ottawa, ON K1S 5R7 Tel: (800) 561-2416 or (613) 730-4192 | Fax: (613) 730-4314 | E-mail: helpdesk@sogc.com Copyright. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use |