What happens if my baby is breech?

Why is my baby breech?

Sometimes there is no clear reason why your baby is breech but there are some things that make it more likely, such as:

• a low lying placenta
• first pregnancy
• multiple pregnancy, twins or triplets for example
• too little or too much fluid around your baby (oligohydramnios/polyhydramnios).

Is a breech birth more difficult?

Vaginal breech birth is more complicated because the largest part of the baby (the head) is delivered last. In some cases this may be difficult and a caesarean may be needed.

Some breech positions are “better” than others for a vaginal birth. The safest is frank breech or complete breech (see above). If you have a footling breech, labour is less likely to go smoothly and you may be advised to have a caesarean.

A vaginal breech birth is a choice for women and their partners and it will be respected by your healthcare professionals. However, it may not always be recommended as safe.

What happens if my baby is breech?

If your midwife or doctor thinks that your baby is still breech at 36 weeks pregnant then you should a have scan to confirm this.

If the scan shows that your baby is breech, the midwife or doctor will talk to you about your options for giving birth safely. They will likely offer you an external cephalic version (ECV, described below). If this does not work, or if you choose not to have one, they will discuss your breech birth options.

Is it possible to turn a breech baby?

A doctor can try to turn your baby into a head-first position using a procedure called an 'external cephalic version’ (ECV). During this, the obstetrician will put pressure on specific parts of your bump to encourage your baby to move round in the womb.

What is an external cephalic version (ECV)?

An ECV can be done from 36 weeks all the way up until early labour, as long as your waters have not yet broken. It is successful for around 50% of women. If successful, you will be less likely to need a caesarean section or other medical assistance during labour.

If you agree to an ECV, you will need to go into hospital to have it done.

‘I was absolutely petrified (crying before they'd even started) but the consultant and midwife were brill and turned her within a couple of minutes. She went on to be 1.5 weeks overdue and I had a completely natural birth at our midwife led unit.’ Emma

Is everyone offered an ECV?

Most women will be offered an ECV, however there are some reasons why it may not be safe for you to have one. These include:

• if you need a caesarean section for another reason, such as a low-lying placenta
• you have had any vaginal bleeding in the last 7 days
• there is a concern about your baby’s wellbeing
• you have a different shaped uterus
• if your waters have broken
• you’re pregnant with more than one baby.

Before an ECV

Before the doctor starts, you will be scanned to make sure your baby is still breech. They will also check your blood pressure and heart rate.

You will be given an injection of a drug to relax your uterus (tocolytic), which should make turning your baby easier. It is safe for you and your baby but it may make you feel flushed and your heart might beat faster. These side effects should only last for a short time.

Your baby’s heart rate will also be checked before an ECV.

During an ECV

The procedure will last for a few minutes. The pressure is likely to feel uncomfortable but it should not hurt. If it causes you pain, tell the doctor and ask them to stop.

After an ECV

You will have another ultrasound scan to check if your baby has successfully turned head-first. Your blood pressure and heart rate will also be checked again, along with your baby’s. Call the hospital if you have any bleeding, abdominal pain, contractions or reduced movements after an ECV.

Watch this short video from the NHS about ECVs

Other ways to turn a breech baby

There are a couple of things you might like to try to help your baby turn:

Stretches and positions

Kneel on a mat with your head down to the floor and your bottom raised up for about 15-20mins each day. The aim is to get your baby out of your pelvis to give them more room to turn. There is no research to support this method, but some mums say it has worked for them.

If you feel any pain or dizziness then stop straight away.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion seems unusual but a small number of clinical studies have shown that it has worked in 50-80% of cases. It involves gently burning a ‘moxa stick’ containing a soft woolly Chinese herb called ‘mugwort’.

It is either placed directly on the skin on your little toe or just above it to produce a warming sensation. The idea is that the heat permeates the skins and affects the flow of energy and blood in the area being treated.

Moxibustion should only be done under the direction of a trained healthcare professional. Many maternity units now run clinics offering this, so ask your midwife about it. You can also find someone on the British Acupuncture Council.

What are the risks of an ECV?

The risks associated with ECV are very small. As mentioned, an ECV isn’t always successful. You may be offered another one, depending on your circumstances.

Very rarely, the procedure may work but your baby may still turn back to the breech position.

Very occasionally:

• the baby can become distressed
• there may be bleeding from the placenta.

This happens in approximately one in 200 ECVs and if it does, your baby will be delivered by emergency caesarean section.

What happens if my baby doesn’t turn?

After an ECV (or if you choose not to have one), if your baby does not turn head-down you may be offered another ECV. 

There are two other options for giving birth to your breech baby which your doctor and midwife will talk you through:

• a planned caesarean section
• a planned vaginal breech birth.

Giving birth if your baby is breech

In both cases, the risks and benefits of each should be well explained to you by your healthcare team.

Planned caesarean section

C-sections are more common than vaginal deliveries for babies who are breech. If you decide to have a caesarean you will be given a day and time to arrive at the hospital.

'I had an amazing birth experience and couldn't thank the midwives and surgical team enough for all the help and support.' Ruth, read more about her breech birth story.

You might go into labour before your planned date. If this happens, a midwife or doctor will examine you to see if it is safe to give you an emergency caesarean. Sometimes, if your baby is nearly ready to be born they will advise you to give birth naturally.

Planned vaginal breech birth

If you decide you would like to have a vaginal breech birth, you will be looked after by a team who is experienced in looking after women during breech deliveries. This should be in a hospital where they will be able to give you a caesarean in case of an emergency.

You will be advised against a vaginal breech birth if:

• you have a low lying placenta
• you have other pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia
• your baby is footling breech (see above)
• your baby is large or small for their gestational age.

More information about breech births

Download the ‘Breech baby at the end of pregnancy’ leaflet from the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG).

Find out more about positions for birth.