Breech Baby Causes & Complications

 

Normally, during the last days of the pregnancy, the baby is positioned such that its head is faced toward the birth canal so the baby can come out of the vagina without any difficulty. A breech baby is a state when the baby doesn’t turn upside down and their buttock or foot is still facing the birth canal. While this position is considered normal in the first weeks of pregnancy, the baby should automatically change its position as you reach the 36th week of pregnancy. You must visit the best maternity hospital in Navi Mumbai to identify the baby’s position.

The head of the baby is close to the mother’s chest while the bottom is moved toward the vagina initially. However, they turn upside down later. This is considered the safest position for delivery. But, what happens if the baby is in a breech position?

Causes of Breech Baby

Mother can tell if the baby is breech by observing the areas where the baby kicks and lumps are formed. While scientists haven’t discovered the exact cause of a breech baby, here are some common causes:

Women pregnant with twins (it is complicated for the babies to acquire a proper position)

Lack of amniotic fluid or too much of this fluid. Your baby gets a lot of movement if there’s more amniotic fluid than in normal pregnancy. Or, your baby doesn’t move at all if you lack this fluid.

Your uterus is not positioned or shaped well. This happens due to the presence of fibroids in your uterus, which might limit the movements of the baby, thus making it difficult for them to take the right position.

If you deliver before the due date (pre-term delivery)

The baby has a birth defect

Tell your gynecologist how you are feeling and keep them up-to-date with the baby’s movement, especially in the last weeks of your pregnancy. They will perform an ultrasound to understand if the baby is in a breech position.

Complications

While the delivery of a breech baby is possible without a c-section, most doctors recommend surgery to ensure a safe birth. Complications do not occur until you are about to deliver. There is a risk of injuries to the baby’s bones, as well as bone dislocation (usually, in an attempt to deliver a breech baby through vagina). The umbilical cord might also get damaged, which might further increase the risk of nerve damage during delivery.

Can the Breech Baby be Flipped?

Talk to the best obstetrician-gynecologist in Navi Mumbai if you suspect a breech baby. They will place their hands on your abdomen to identify the position of the baby. They will feel different parts of the baby to figure out which part is placed to come out first. If they are unable to detect the baby’s movement or parts, they will perform an ultrasound to get a clear picture. Unfortunately, the baby does not turn to a normal delivery position, i.e. head first and toe upward, after 37 weeks of pregnancy. You may have to discuss the birth options with your gynecologist.

It is possible to flip the baby to bring it into its original position, but it is not always a safe idea. Especially, babies that are considerably smaller than average babies or women with placenta previa and vaginal bleeding are considered unsafe for this process. The doctor will evaluate your medical history and current health to know if the baby can be turned upside down safely. They put firm pressure on your belly to shift the baby’s position. Fortunately, the method is 65% effective. But, it can be risky.