Babies usually twist and turn during pregnancy, but most have moved into the head-down position by the time you go into labour. However, there is a small chance your baby will be breech, meaning that they are in a position to come out bottom-first.

At 32 weeks, 15% of babies are breech, with most turning by the time labour starts. But there is a 3–4% chance your baby will be breech at term.

So, what do you do if your baby is breathing?

Breech labours are usually more difficult, so if your baby is breech late in your pregnancy, then you will be offered a procedure to turn your baby.

Turning your baby

If your baby is still in a breech position at 37 weeks, you will be offered an external cephalic version (ECV) procedure to turn your baby. Your doctor or midwife applies pressure to your abdomen to rotate your baby into a head-down position. The procedure can be uncomfortable, and you may be given medication to relax the uterus. For guidance, you are usually given a scan to check the position of the baby. Around 40% of breech babies can be turned using ECV. If the ECV is unsuccessful, you will be advised to deliver your breech baby at a hospital, as a Caesarean section will be advised.

Breech labour

There is a small chance that it’s discovered that your baby is breech once you’re in labour, which happens due to the difficulty in distinguishing between the baby’s head and bottom. Theoretically, you can still have an ECV during labour, although normally a Caesarean section is advised. If the waters have broken, it is not possible to have an ECV.

Delivering your breech baby vaginally

This is not in current recommendations, but in the event an obstetrician is likely to be present at the delivery of your birth, another nurse or doctor, along with your midwife, may be required in case resuscitation is needed. Your baby’s heartbeat will need to be monitored throughout labour, and in case an emergency Caesarean is required, you will need to have a drip connected to your arm or hand. To prepare for delivery, you will either have your feet in stirrups or stand on all fours. Your midwife or doctor may apply gentle pressure to your baby’s arms and legs during labour, but you are unlikely to feel this. The birth should otherwise feel the same as if the baby were in a headfirst position. A Caesarean may be likely if complications arise.

What do I do if my baby is breech?

On our Unii Giving Birth Journey, we share what to do if your baby is breech.