What is Breech Birth?
A breech birth occurs when a baby is positioned in the uterus with their buttocks or feet facing downward, instead of the typical head-down position. This can make delivery more challenging and increase the risk of complications for both the mother and baby.
There are three types of breech positions: frank breech, complete breech, and footling breech. In a frank breech position, the baby’s buttocks are facing downward, and their legs are extended up toward their head. In a complete breech position, the baby’s buttocks are facing downward, and their legs are folded at the knees. In a footling breech position, one or both of the baby’s feet are positioned downward, with the rest of the body facing upward.
Breech births occur in approximately 3-4% of all full-term pregnancies. The exact cause of breech presentation is not always clear, but certain factors may increase the likelihood, such as premature birth, a multiple pregnancy, or an abnormally shaped uterus.
Breech births can be associated with a higher risk of complications for both the mother and baby. The most significant risk is a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during delivery, which can result in neurological damage or death. Other risks include umbilical cord prolapse, where the cord exits the uterus before the baby, and fetal injuries, such as fractures or nerve damage.
In some cases, a breech baby can be safely delivered vaginally. However, many obstetricians prefer to perform a cesarean delivery (C-section) to reduce the risk of complications. A C-section is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.
If a vaginal delivery is attempted, there are several techniques that healthcare providers may use to try and rotate the baby into the head-down position. These include external cephalic version (ECV), in which the healthcare provider uses their hands to gently manipulate the baby’s position from the outside of the mother’s abdomen, or a procedure called a breech extraction, where the healthcare provider gently pulls the baby out of the birth canal by the legs.
If a C-section is required, it is typically scheduled for around 39 weeks of pregnancy, to ensure the baby is fully developed but not at risk of going into labor naturally. In some cases, if there is an urgent need to deliver the baby, a C-section may be performed earlier.
After delivery, both the mother and baby will be closely monitored for any signs of complications. The baby may need additional monitoring and testing to ensure there is no neurological damage or other issues related to the breech position. The mother may experience more pain and a longer recovery period after a C-section.
In conclusion, a breech birth is when a baby is positioned in the uterus with their buttocks or feet facing downward. This can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and baby during delivery. Obstetricians may attempt to rotate the baby into a head-down position, but in many cases, a C-section is required to reduce the risk of complications. After delivery, both the mother and baby will be closely monitored for any signs of complications.