Giving birth to your breech baby: Frequently asked questions

How is the diagnosis made?

It may be suspected that your baby is lying feet or bottom first in the womb, when a midwife or obstetrician feels your abdomen at or after 36 weeks of pregnancy. This is then usually confirmed by an ultrasound scan. If you are in labour when this is suspected, the baby’s position may be confirmed by internal examination.

What will the medical team recommend?

When a baby is in a breech position after 36 weeks of pregnancy there are three options that might be possible: 1. An external cephalic version (ECV) – using pressure on your abdomen to turn the baby head first 2. A planned vaginal breech birth 3. A planned caesarean birth If the breech position is first noted during labour an ECV may not be possible, and a woman will need to choose between a vaginal breech birth and a caesarean birth.

What tests will/may be considered? How often may they be needed?

An ultrasound to check on the growth of your baby may be arranged if the breech position is detected before labour. This can help to guide your decision making about your preferred mode of birth.

What symptoms and signs should I be looking out for?

You should contact your maternity unit if you think your waters have broken or you are in labour with a baby known to be in the breech position.

What are the ‘red flag’ symptoms/concerns, which means that they should be reported immediately?

If your waters break and your baby is lying feet or bottom first, there is an increased chance of the umbilical cord being below the baby – this is called an umbilical cord prolapse. If this happens you should promptly attend the hospital for review. If a loop of cord is seen outside the vagina, then you should call 999 immediately.

How may this impact my birth choices?

Your midwife and doctor will discuss your choices with you. Your choices will depend on whether the breech presentation is diagnosed during late pregnancy or in labour.

What will this mean for future pregnancies? How can I reduce my risk of this happening again?

If your baby is born by caesarean birth, this may impact on future pregnancies.

Where can I find out more information about this condition?