Concerned about Breech Baby

[baby108]

Hi there,

I am due to have a ceaser next week as my baby is breech and has been since 30 week scan (currently 38 weeks). I am starting to panic as i have been told that Breech babies are more likely to have hip problems and flat heads and that they can have a disabiltity of some sort as the first developmental process for a child is getting into position for labour. Can anyone tell me if they have experienced these sorts of problems with a breech baby? I am stressing out here.

[Olive]

have you tried to turn bubs in any way???

[baby108]

No, my doc doesnt recommend doing that. I asked him about that and he said he doesnt want to there is a reason why bubs is like that in the first place and that it could be that my pelvis is too small or that my uterus is an odd shape and the turning will only stress the baby out.

[Mad Scientist]

I was a breech baby delivered by caesar and I'm totally fine! No developmental problems (am a scientist), physically fine except for scoliosis which is hereditary not due to breech, I have a nicely shaped head (apparently, I've been told!). There are things you can do to try to move bubs around, lots of positions. If you are really worried, there is acupuncture or external manipulation. Maybe google some positions. Good luck hun. I think there are so many things out there to worry about, we just can't help ourselves. Your little one will be fine, just maybe a little stubborn ;-)

[black_rose]

My DD was breech, and yes she did have hip problems, both hips were disolocated when she was born by emergency CS at 34 weeks (my waters broke). She was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in her left hip at 8 weeks and spent 6 months in a brace, this was hard on DH and I but she learnt to roll and crawl with it on, and it didn't seem to bother her.

At 18 months she is running around and you would never know she had any hip problems. Developmentally she is fine, no problems there.

Good luck I hope it all goes well for you.

[baby108]

THANKYOU!!!!! I know i should probably stop looking at the internet. First time mum and have been wanting this baby for a long time so am probably stressing for no reason.

[Pandora]

have a look at the spinning babies website.
there are things that you can do that are as simple as changing positions, being on all fours etc. I cant see how being on your hands a knees for a few minutes a day will hurt?
If there is a physical reason for bub being breech then bub may well stay breech, but if not thens/he may turn

[angelaartsstudent]

My sister was breech...born vaginally (is that a word?) and while I cannot vouch for her personality or temprement, her development was perfectly normal.

[Oorki Galoorki]

there is also a possibility you could still deliver your baby vaginally..
do you know which presentation your baby is?
definatly check out spinning babies..
you could wait until you go in to labour before having your c/s as its better for you and bub and it gives you a couple extra weeks for bubs to possibly turn.
there is accupunture or moxibustion that can help turn a baby too.

[Ozziehoffy]

My first was breech and born by c/s...he was normal, no problems at all. As for what your doc said.... "it could be that my pelvis is too small or that my uterus is an odd shape and the turning will only stress the baby out." I can't say that I agree with that...I have had a successful VBAC since my c/s. I think that may be a slight chance and definitely the case for some people, but they should be able to check that with u/s or xray anyway. I had an xray to check pelvis size to see if it would be ok to try a vaginal birth but they recommended against it due to the measurements of my pelvis, so it was informed and not a guess.

[OceanPrincess]

I'm another that was born breech, I think they call it "footling breech" as I came out bum and one foot first! I must have been some sort of acrobat or something

The Paeds were very worried about hip issues and had x-rays and stuff but I am fine! No developmental problems, no issues, nothing!

I was born vaginally too... I came 4 weeks early and there was no time to plan for turning or c-sect or anything...

Hang in there!

[sakoon]

I was just about to make the same post.
I am nearly 37 weeks and my baby is still not head down. Doctor said that they will do an ultrasound on Monday and then they will discuss with me to try to externally move the baby head down on tuesday but there are some risks in doing that like membrane might rupture or something happen to the placenta and it only works in 50% of cases.

I have had a perfect pregnancy so now im worried as i really wanted a natural labour and i was all geared up for it. The dr even mentioned scheduling for a c section. But i read on the net that the baby can still turn right uptil labour. So if it does not turn by monday, i would rather wait then have a c section. That will be last resort.

[DaintreeDream]

My DD was born at 38+2weeks and she was frank breech throughout my entire pregnancy. She did not have any problems with her hips and she did not have a flat head. I cannot comment on the disability side of things however as my DD has a chromosome abnormality.

Try not to stress yourself they most likley will not even happen.
Best Wishes for your upcoming CS and birth of your darling baby.

Deanne.

[BellyBelly]

I was breech when mum was pregnant with me, I was the first of 4 very healthy and vaginally born children, I was born 9 days past my due date, and turned head down 8 days after my due date. I had no hip problems and have vaginally birthed two beautiful babies of my own, with no complications. I am sure that if I would have been born in the modern day, ceasered at 38 weeks, I would have been over 3 weeks early and probably had some sort of issues to do with being early!!! I dont think I was breech because of my mother's body. I am just difficult

[MantaRay]

I am not sure what the liklihood of developmental problems for breech babies is. I don't think it would be high. But the risks of c-sect compared to vaginal delivery are higher for both mum and baby, so if you are concerned about risks you are probably better off waiting to go into labour rather than having a planned c-sect at 38 weeks. Breech babies can be born vaginally, but most obs are not skilled in this as they routinely perform c-sects instead. But there are many midwives who have lots of experience with breech births. If you would prefer to try a vaginal birth, it might be worth seeing if you can find a private mw in your area with this experience in case the baby doesn't turn by him/herself. GL hun.

[misty]

You still have plenty of time for bubs to turn. My DS was breach until 35 weeks and then he turned, just before we were getting ready to book in for a c/s. I was also advised against forcefully turning bubs (there are alot of risks), but there are other methods you can use to try and encourage bubs to move on their own. visit the spinning babies website and have a look at some of the tips.

Also although there can sometimes be physical problems with babies who don't turn, the majority don't have any of these problems. As for developmental issue - I have never even heard that one before, and would be very surprised if there was any trueth to that whatsoever.

My advice is hope baby turns by themselves, and prepare yourself metally for the reality of a c/s if it does not happen. but try not to stress about it.

[~Debbie~]

Aiden was breach, and he turned. There are plenty of more natural methods you can try to turn your bub. I spent hours upon hours kneeling, with my head & shoulders resting on the floor. The theory being that bubs turns to so that it feels teh right way up. Shining a torch towards the bottom of your belly, as bubs can see the light, and can try to reach it. Playing soothing music at the bottom of your belly.
You can try accupuncture as well.

The other thing is, if you go for a cs, I have heard of bubs turning at the last minute, so, request a ultrasound before the cs just to see what position it is in.