If you're approaching your due date, you can be dismayed to discover that your baby is not head down. Generally, many doctors resort to Caesarean section when a baby presents breech, so you may keep your fingers crossed that baby will flip before the contractions start. However, there are some things you can do to help baby along.
1. See your chiropractor.
Chiropractors who are experienced working with pregnant women can really help with helping the baby to turn. As your pregnancy progressed, your pelvis can become misaligned, which makes it more difficult for the baby to get into the head down position. As the hips and pelvis are opened and aligned with a safe chiropractic adjustment, the baby will have more room to turn himself or herself down toward the birth canal in preparation for birth. Talk to your chiropractor about adjusting the sacrum and the symphysis pubis. A chiropractor can also help by giving you some hip stretches and positions to safely employ at home to encourage baby to stay head down until delivery.
2. Talk to your doctor about a manual version.
Sometimes, babies can be turned manually for optimal birth presentation. Your doctor can do this by manipulating the baby through the belly, slowly and carefully turning the fetus. These versions sometimes work quite well, but they can be dangerous, which is why they are only performed on low-risk pregnancies at a time when it would be safe for the baby to be born. The external version can jump start labor or cause placental abruption. In rare cases, an emergency c-section is needed to deliver immediately if the placenta is harmed while trying to turn the fetus.
3. Practice optimal birth positioning exercises.
The things you do can help your baby get ready to turn. You can spend time on all fours, giving baby more room to move around. Help promote motion by doing a "cat-cow" movement, arching your back like a cat and slowly releasing the arch, allowing your belly to dip down to the ground. Refrain from reclining, as this prompts baby to stay upright in the womb instead of maneuvering downward. Sitting crossed legged can also prevent your baby from turning around. Sleeping on your side and doing squats can help your baby move head down.
For more information on what options are available to you for helping to turn a breech baby, talk to your doctor and a chiropractor like Angie Wilson in your area.
