How to Turn a Breech Baby: Safe, Effective Options
Finding out that your baby is breech can be worrying, especially if you are approaching the end of your pregnancy. Before you assume that a breech baby automatically means a Cesarean birth, it helps to understand what breech means, why some babies remain breech, and what options may be available.
Many babies move frequently during pregnancy. A baby who is breech at 28 or even 32 weeks may still have plenty of time to turn. Most babies eventually settle into a head-down position, but about 3 to 4 percent remain breech near the end of pregnancy.
If your baby is breech, there are several things you may want to discuss with your doctor or midwife. Depending on your individual situation, these may include exercises and positioning, complementary techniques, an External Cephalic Version (ECV), or, in some circumstances, vaginal breech birth.
What Does It Mean When a Baby Is Breech?
A breech baby is positioned bottom-first or feet-first rather than head-down.
Babies move around frequently during pregnancy, so being breech earlier in pregnancy is usually not a reason to panic. As pregnancy progresses, however, there is less room for the baby to move.
Most babies turn head-down sometime between 32 and 36 weeks. If your baby remains breech later in pregnancy, your care provider can help you understand your options.
Why Do Some Babies Remain Breech?
Sometimes there is a clear reason that a baby remains breech. Other times, there is no obvious reason at all.
Possible factors can include:
- A short umbilical cord
- Placenta previa
- Low or high levels of amniotic fluid
- Differences in the shape of the uterus
- Multiple babies
Sometimes there is nothing wrong. Your baby may simply be comfortable in that position.
This is important to remember before trying to turn your baby. A baby may be breech because of something about the baby’s position or the pregnancy that makes turning difficult or inappropriate. Always discuss your situation with your doctor or midwife before trying exercises or other techniques.
When Should You Try to Turn a Breech Baby?
Many providers suggest that parents discuss breech exercises between approximately 30 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
During this time, the baby may still have enough room to move. Later in pregnancy, the baby has less room, and your provider may begin discussing other options, including an External Cephalic Version.
There is no single exercise or technique that works for every pregnancy. Before trying anything, ask your doctor or midwife whether it is appropriate for you.
Exercises That May Help a Breech Baby Turn
Several positions and exercises are commonly suggested to encourage a breech baby to move into a head-down position.
The Breech Tilt
The breech tilt is one of the most commonly recommended positions.
Lie on your back with your hips elevated above your heart using pillows or an inclined board. The goal is to create more room for the baby to move and possibly encourage the baby to tuck their chin, which may help them begin turning.
The older version of my breech handout suggested holding this position for 10 to 15 minutes, up to three times a day.
This position is not appropriate for everyone, so check with your care provider before trying it.
Hands and Knees Positions
Gravity can sometimes help create space for a baby to move.
You might try:
- Spending time on your hands and knees
- Leaning forward over a chair
- Gently rocking your pelvis
- Trying lunges
These positions may create more room in the pelvis and encourage the baby to move.
Forward-Leaning Positions
Forward-leaning positions are another approach some parents try to encourage a breech baby to move.
As with all breech exercises, discuss specific instructions with your care provider before trying them. Some positions may not be appropriate depending on your pregnancy or medical history.
Swimming and Pool Exercises
Water can feel wonderful during the final weeks of pregnancy. Swimming and gentle movement in a pool may also encourage a baby to change position.
Some parents try:
- Swimming
- Gentle crouches in the water
- Breaststroke or front crawl swimming
- Gentle floating and movement
The older breech handout also included more vigorous pool movements, including flips and underwater handstands. I would be cautious about attempting anything that requires unusual strength, balance, or breath-holding, especially during late pregnancy.
If you try exercises in a pool, do not do anything that puts you at risk of falling or becoming exhausted. Having someone nearby is a sensible precaution.
Other Natural Techniques Some Parents Try
There is no guarantee that these techniques will turn a breech baby, but some parents enjoy trying them as long as their care provider agrees that they are safe.
Using Temperature
Some parents try placing something cool near the top of the abdomen and something warm near the lower abdomen.
The idea is that the baby may move away from the cooler area and toward the warmth.
If you try this approach:
- Never use anything hot enough to burn your skin
- Wrap cold packs so they are not directly against your skin
- Stop if you are uncomfortable
One variation included in my older handout was sitting in a warm bath while placing a wrapped cold pack near the top of the abdomen.
Talking or Playing Music for Your Baby
Babies can hear sounds during pregnancy. Some parents try playing music or talking near the lower part of the abdomen in the hope that the baby will move toward the sound.
Your partner might enjoy talking directly to the baby near your lower abdomen. Whether or not the baby changes position, it can be a sweet way for a partner to feel more connected to the baby.
Paying Attention to Your Posture
Good posture may help create as much room as possible for your baby to move.
Some general suggestions include:
- Keeping your chin level rather than constantly looking down
- Allowing your shoulders to relax naturally
- Keeping your weight centered over your hips
- Standing with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart
- Distributing your weight evenly over both feet
Pregnancy changes your center of gravity, so trying to stand perfectly straight can sometimes feel uncomfortable. The goal is not to force your body into an unnatural position but to avoid spending all day slouched or compressed.
Complementary Techniques for Breech Babies
Some families also explore complementary therapies.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving the use of burning herbs near specific acupressure points.
For breech babies, practitioners may use mugwort near a point on the outer side of the little toe. Moxibustion may be performed by an acupuncturist or another qualified practitioner of Chinese medicine.
Moxibustion sticks can also be purchased for home use, but because they involve burning material, I would encourage you to learn from someone experienced with the technique rather than simply trying it on your own after watching a video.
Relaxation or Hypnosis
Relaxation and visualization techniques may help you release physical and emotional tension.
Some parents listen to relaxation or hypnosis tracks while resting or falling asleep and visualize their baby moving into a head-down position.
I have had clients tell me that they felt these techniques helped them relax and that their babies eventually turned. Of course, that does not mean relaxation caused the baby to turn, but relaxation may be a pleasant and useful part of coping with the uncertainty of having a breech baby.
Chiropractic Webster Technique
Some chiropractors receive additional training in the Webster Technique.
The goal is not for the chiropractor to physically turn the baby. Instead, the technique focuses on the pelvis and surrounding muscles and ligaments with the goal of reducing tension and creating more room for the baby to move.
If you are considering chiropractic care during pregnancy, ask about the practitioner’s specific training and experience with pregnant clients.
What Is an External Cephalic Version?
If your baby remains breech later in pregnancy, your doctor may recommend an External Cephalic Version, usually called an ECV.
An ECV is a medical procedure in which a doctor attempts to turn the baby from the outside by applying pressure to your abdomen.
The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or other setting where the baby can be monitored.
During an ECV:
- Medication may be used to relax the uterus
- The doctor uses their hands to apply pressure to your abdomen and guide the baby
- Ultrasound may be used to check the baby’s position and the placenta
- The baby’s heart rate is monitored
Some people find an ECV uncomfortable.
The older version of this article and handout cited research finding that attempting an ECV at term reduced breech birth and Cesarean birth rates. Your doctor can discuss the current research, the likelihood of success in your particular situation, and the possible risks and benefits.
An ECV may not be appropriate in every pregnancy. Factors such as bleeding, low amniotic fluid, or other complications may affect whether the procedure is recommended.
Can a Breech Baby Be Born Vaginally?
Yes, in some circumstances, a breech baby can be born vaginally.
However, whether this is an option depends on several factors, including:
- The baby’s size and health
- The baby’s specific breech position
- Your individual pregnancy and medical circumstances
- The experience of your care provider
- Hospital policies
Many doctors practicing today have little or no experience attending vaginal breech births because breech birth training has become less common.
That does not mean that experienced breech providers do not exist.
I have personally attended and seen wonderful breech births. If having the option of a vaginal breech birth is important to you, start asking questions early. You may need to look specifically for a doctor or midwife with experience attending breech births.
A doula who is familiar with your local birth community may also be able to help you identify providers who have experience with breech birth. The nurses at Labor & Delivery at your hospital may also be a good resource. Having a good birth team is the best way to have a good birth!
What Should You Do If Your Baby Is Still Breech?
Talk with your doctor or midwife if:
- Your baby may still be breech after approximately 36 weeks
- You want to try exercises or other techniques
- You want to discuss an ECV
- You want to know whether vaginal breech birth is an option for you
- You would like help finding a provider experienced with breech births
The most important thing is to understand your options before you are making decisions under pressure.
A breech baby does not automatically mean that you have done something wrong, that your baby is in danger, or that there is only one possible way for your baby to be born.
Sometimes a baby turns on their own. Sometimes exercises or other techniques are helpful. Sometimes an ECV is successful. And sometimes the baby remains breech.
Your care provider can help you understand what is safest and most appropriate for your particular pregnancy.
Want Help Understanding Your Options?
A breech diagnosis can leave you with a lot of questions.
What happens if the baby does not turn?
Should you try an ECV?
Can you have a vaginal breech birth?
Should you look for a different doctor or hospital?
Knowing your options before you need to make a decision can reduce some of the fear and uncertainty.
You can [LINK TO FREE 30-MINUTE ZOOM MEETING] to talk with me about your options and questions.
I can also help you understand the hospital birth process through my Hospital Birth Classes and my 700 Babies Solution.
And one last thought: it’s BREECH, not breach. You’re not a contract. Or a whale.
