Breech Baby: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of breech baby?

A breech presentation is when a baby is positioned bottom-down in the womb instead of head-down, which is the ideal position for birth. Symptoms of a breech baby may include:

  1. Feeling kicks higher up: In a breech presentation, you may feel the baby’s kicks higher up in your abdomen, closer to your ribs, instead of lower down near your pelvis.
  2. Hard, round lump near your ribs: You may feel a hard, round lump near your ribs, which is the baby’s head if they are in a breech position.
  3. Less movement in the pelvis: In some cases, the head or bottom may be felt in the pelvis during a physical exam by a healthcare provider.
  4. Heartbeat heard higher up: During prenatal visits, your healthcare provider may find the baby’s heartbeat higher up in your abdomen than expected for a head-down position.
  5. Ultrasound confirmation: An ultrasound scan is the most accurate way to determine the baby’s position. If a breech presentation is suspected, an ultrasound can confirm it.

It’s important to note that some babies may be in a breech position earlier in pregnancy but then turn head-down on their own as the due date approaches. However, if a baby remains in a breech position close to the due date, it may be necessary to consider options for safely turning the baby or planning for a breech birth. It’s always best to discuss any concerns about the baby’s position with your healthcare provider.

What are the causes of breech baby?

The exact cause of why a baby is in a breech position (bottom-down instead of head-down) is often unknown, but several factors may increase the likelihood of a breech presentation. These factors may include:

  1. Premature birth: Babies born prematurely are more likely to be in a breech position because they have less room in the uterus to move and may not have yet assumed the head-down position.
  2. Multiple pregnancies: Twins, triplets, or other multiple pregnancies are more likely to involve breech presentations, as there is less room in the uterus for the babies to move into the head-down position.
  3. Uterine abnormalities: Certain abnormalities of the uterus, such as fibroids or an abnormally shaped uterus, can make it more difficult for the baby to move into the head-down position.
  4. Too much or too little amniotic fluid: An abnormal amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus) can affect the baby’s position.
  5. Placenta previa: When the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix (the opening to the uterus), it can interfere with the baby’s ability to move into the head-down position.
  6. Fetal abnormalities: In some cases, fetal abnormalities or conditions, such as a large tumor or genetic conditions, can affect the baby’s position in the uterus.
  7. Maternal factors: Certain maternal factors, such as an unusually shaped pelvis or an excess of amniotic fluid, can also contribute to a breech presentation.

It’s important to note that in many cases, the cause of a breech presentation is not identified. Additionally, some babies may be in a breech position earlier in pregnancy but then turn head-down on their own as the due date approaches.

What is the treatment for breech baby?

The treatment for a breech presentation (when a baby is positioned bottom-down instead of head-down) depends on various factors, including the gestational age of the pregnancy, the specific type of breech presentation, and the overall health of the mother and baby. Treatment options may include:

  1. External cephalic version (ECV): This is a procedure in which a healthcare provider tries to manually turn the baby into a head-down position by applying pressure on the abdomen. ECV is usually attempted after 37 weeks of pregnancy and is successful in about half of all attempts.
  2. Vaginal breech birth: In some cases, if the baby is in a frank or complete breech position and other conditions are favorable, a vaginal breech birth may be considered. This involves delivering the baby vaginally with the baby’s bottom or feet coming out first.
  3. Cesarean section: If attempts to turn the baby are unsuccessful or if a vaginal breech birth is not recommended, a cesarean section (C-section) may be recommended. A C-section is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.
  4. Waiting for spontaneous labor: In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend waiting for labor to begin spontaneously, especially if the baby is in a frank or complete breech position and the pregnancy is progressing well. If labor does not progress normally, a C-section may be necessary.

It’s important to discuss the options and risks with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. In some cases, the baby may turn into a head-down position on their own before the due date, eliminating the need for any intervention.

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