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3 Things To Try When Your Baby Is In A Breech Position Shortly Before Birth

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Pregnancy is an amazing journey, and as a first time mother enters her third trimester she is typically trying to develop a birth plan and learn as much as she can about the labor and delivery process. Learning that your baby is in a breech position late in your pregnancy can throw a wrench in your birth plans. For a vaginal delivery, a baby's head should be positioned downwards towards the birth canal, so the head can exit the mother's body first. When a baby is presenting feet or buttocks first, there can be complications and a c-section is often recommended.

C-sections come with a number of risks, so many mothers would like to do whatever they can to get their baby to turn into the proper position prior to the onset of labor so the baby can be born vaginally. If you're nearing the end of your pregnancy and your baby is in the breech position, consider the following:

Visit a Chiropractor

Your baby may not be able to turn into the proper head down birthing position because your pelvis is misaligned or due to the fact that your pelvic ligaments and muscles are too tight or asymmetrical. You may benefit from the Webster Technique when it is performed by a qualified chiropractor who has been trained in executing this method of care. The Webster Technique involves a series of gentle adjustments that restore pelvic alignment and loosen pelvic ligaments and muscles. Make sure that you talk to your OB/GYN about seeking chiropractic care, and carefully select a chiropractor who has advanced training in treating pregnant women, such as Angie Wilson. 

Do Gentle Exercises

There are several exercises that you can perform at home that may help your baby turn prior to birth. These exercises rely on gravity to try to give your baby the opportunity to turn naturally. One popular exercise is the breech tilt, which involves using pillows to prop your pelvis up while laying down so your hips are higher than your head. Try doing this for several minutes at a time a few times a day; some women believe that it may be helpful to do this exercise during a time period where your baby is active and moving frequently.

You can also try the knee to chest exercise, by getting on your hands and knees on the ground and extending our buttocks into the air. This exercise may encourage your baby to somersault into a head down position.

Consider an External Cephalic Version

As your due date nears, your OB/GYN may suggest an external cephalic version (ECV) procedure to attempt to turn your baby so you can avoid a c-section. An ECV is usually performed in a hospital, and medication will be administered to relax the uterus. Your doctor will then attempt to manually manipulate the position of your baby by pressing and pushing on your abdomen while your baby is monitored on ultrasound to ensure that he or she does not experience any distress. 


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