When a baby is in breech position, it means that the baby is lying with its bottom or seat down inside your belly. This is also where the name for the position comes from, and in technical terms, it is often referred to as breech (UK). It is quite normal for your baby to have its bottom down until around weeks 30-32, but around weeks 36 and 37, a midwife will typically examine what position the little one is in by checking from the outside.
When the midwife has determined breech position
Only about 3-4 percent of pregnant women have the baby in breech position at term, but it does happen. Fortunately, there are different ways to turn the baby, but you will first need to be examined more closely. This means that if your midwife assesses that the baby is in breech position, you will be sent for an ultrasound. Here it will be confirmed or denied whether the assessment is correct and if the bottom is facing down towards the birth canal. If this is the case, it will be possible to attempt to turn the baby inside the womb without surgery. The most commonly used method to turn the baby is called a version attempt, and it will often be the one you are offered, but there are also the Rebozo method, moxa, and what is called bottom up.
The classic version attempt
A doctor will attempt to get the baby to do a somersault during a version attempt, but this is a procedure that is always carried out in hospitals. It can take several hours, so it is wise to set aside the whole day. Your baby will first be monitored using CTG, which is also known as a strip. A CTG can listen to the baby's heartbeat while simultaneously recording any contractions you may have. It is, therefore, a smart device that records the movements in the belly, and it is then displayed in the form of curves on a strip.
When the version attempt is to be performed, you will typically be placed in the so-called Trendelenburg position throughout the procedure. This means that your head will be lower than your bottom during that time. Additionally, in some cases, you will receive medication that relaxes your uterus, making the doctor's job easier. The chance of success is around 50 percent.
Use a shawl with the Rebozo technique
The name sounds exotic, and it is also the Spanish word for shawl. It is a technique that originates from indigenous midwives in Mexico. The technique can help to get your baby into the right position by turning it. This method is often done at home, where your partner uses a large scarf to shake and rock your pelvis until the baby is in a head-down position. The technique is gaining more and more popularity in Denmark, and it can even provide good body contact for you as a pregnant woman. However, there are also studies in Denmark that are investigating what effect the technique can have in terms of turning a baby in breech position.
The Moxa method – An alternative treatment
This method involves igniting a cigar-like stick called moxa and holding it in front of your little toe. It is a somewhat alternative treatment, but there are studies that suggest this method really has an effect on the baby's position in the womb. This means it is a method you can consider for turning your baby. The moxa method can typically be combined with acupuncture, which should also help in the process.
Get the bottom up
There are some women who are so lucky that they can just keep their butt up, and here it means higher than the heart. For example, you can get on all fours but then place your head on a pillow in front of you. You can also try other positions with your butt or lower body in the air. In some cases, this is enough for the baby to turn in the womb to an optimal head position.
