Breech Position in Pregnancy: Causes, Risks, and Delivery Options

Table of Contents

• What is a Breech Position in Pregnancy?
• What are the Different Types of Breech Position?
• What are the causes of a breech baby?
• How is a Breech Baby Diagnosed?
• What are the Risks of a Breech Position?
• Can a Breech Baby Turn Head-Down Naturally?
• Can You Turn a Breech Baby at Home?
• What are the Delivery Options for a Breech Baby?
• When Should You Consult a Gynaecologist?
• Get Comprehensive Pregnancy Care In Gurgaon at Miracles Healthcare

Pregnancy comes with many questions, especially as the due date gets closer. During an ultrasound, you may hear your doctor say that your baby is in a breech position. This can leave you wondering whether your baby is developing normally or if you will need a C-section.

A breech position does not automatically mean something is wrong with your baby. Many babies turn into a head-down position as pregnancy progresses. If your baby remains breech in the final weeks, your gynaecology doctor can explain the available options and help you plan a safe delivery.

Understanding what breech position means, why it happens, and how it may affect childbirth can help you feel more prepared for the next steps.

What is a Breech Position in Pregnancy?

During most deliveries, babies are positioned head-down, with their head closest to the birth canal. This is known as a cephalic or head-first presentation.

In a breech position, the baby’s bottom or feet are closer to the birth canal instead of the head. This position is relatively common earlier in pregnancy because babies have room to move inside the uterus. Many turn head-down on their own as the pregnancy progresses.

However, if your baby remains breech closer to your due date, your doctor will assess the position and discuss whether any further steps are needed. The recommended approach depends on your pregnancy, the baby’s position, and your overall health.

What are the Different Types of Breech Position?

The position of your baby’s bottom and legs helps doctors identify the type of breech presentation. Here are the four types of breech presentation

• Frank breech: The baby’s bottom is closest to the birth canal, while the legs are extended upwards, with the feet near the head.

• Complete breech: The baby sits with the hips and knees bent, keeping the feet close to the bottom.

• Footling breech: One or both feet are positioned below the bottom, closer to the birth canal.

• Kneeling breech: This is a rare type of breech presentation. In this position, one or both of the baby’s knees are positioned below the bottom, closer to the birth canal, with the knees bent.

Knowing the type of breech position helps your doctor assess the safest delivery options. The baby’s size, gestational age, your medical history, and other pregnancy-related factors are also taken into consideration.

What are the causes of a breech baby?

In many pregnancies, there is no specific reason why a baby remains breech. It does not mean that you have done anything wrong or that your daily activities have caused the baby to turn into this position.

However, certain factors may make breech position during pregnancy more likely:

• Premature birth: Babies born early have had less time to turn into the head-down position.

• Amniotic fluid levels: Too much or too little fluid around the baby may affect movement inside the uterus.

• Multiple pregnancy: When twins or more babies share the uterus, there may be less room for them to move freely.

• Uterine shape: Certain differences in the shape of the uterus or the presence of fibroids may affect the baby’s position.

• Placenta position: A low-lying placenta may influence how the baby settles inside the uterus.

• Previous pregnancies: The uterus and abdominal muscles may differ after previous pregnancies, which can be one of several factors associated with fetal positioning.

Sometimes, the baby simply remains in a breech position without any identifiable cause. Your doctor can assess whether any underlying factor needs attention.

Dr. Sadhna Sharma, Senior Gynaecologist and Obstetrician in Gurgaon at Miracles Healthcare, explains, “A breech position can naturally worry expecting parents, but it is important not to panic. The baby’s position may change as pregnancy progresses, and the next step depends on how many weeks pregnant you are and what your scan shows.”

How is a Breech Baby Diagnosed?

A breech baby may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Some mothers feel movements in different parts of the abdomen, but the location of these movements cannot reliably confirm the baby’s position.

During a routine antenatal examination, your doctor may suspect breech presentation by gently feeling your abdomen. An ultrasound scan can confirm the baby’s position and help assess other relevant details.

If your baby is breech earlier in pregnancy, your doctor may recommend checking the position again at a later appointment. If the baby remains breech around 36 weeks, your gynaecologist will usually discuss the next steps and available delivery options.

Try not to worry based on what you read online or what you feel during fetal movements. A clinical assessment is the most reliable way to understand your baby’s position.

What are the Risks of a Breech Position?

A breech position does not automatically mean your baby is unhealthy. However, it can increase certain risks during delivery, particularly during vaginal birth.

• Head or shoulders getting stuck: During a vaginal breech birth, the baby’s body may emerge before the head, which can make delivery difficult.

• Umbilical cord prolapse: The umbilical cord may slip into the birth canal before the baby, potentially reducing the baby’s oxygen supply.

• Reduced oxygen supply: Difficult or delayed delivery may affect the baby’s oxygen levels and require urgent medical intervention.

• Birth injuries: In some cases, a difficult breech delivery may increase the risk of injury to the baby.

• Need for a C-section: If vaginal delivery is considered unsuitable or complications arise, a caesarean birth may be recommended.

• Surgical risks for the mother: A C-section carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection and a longer recovery period.

The safest delivery approach depends on the baby’s position, size, gestational age, the mother’s medical history and the availability of an experienced obstetric team. Your gynaecologist will assess these factors and discuss the most appropriate delivery plan for your pregnancy.

Can a Breech Baby Turn Head-Down Naturally?

Dr. Sadhna says, “Yes, a breech baby can turn head-down naturally, particularly before 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, if the baby remains in a breech position closer to the due date, the chances of the baby turning on their own become lower.”

Most babies slowly move into a head-down position before birth, but some remain breech. If your baby is still breech at around 36–37 weeks, your gynaecologist may discuss external cephalic version (ECV), a procedure in which a trained doctor gently applies pressure to your abdomen to try to turn the baby head-down. This is performed in a hospital with appropriate monitoring and is offered only when suitable for the pregnancy.

If the baby does not turn, your doctor will assess your individual circumstances and discuss the safest delivery option, which may include a planned caesarean birth or, in selected cases, a vaginal breech delivery.

Can You Turn a Breech Baby at Home?

You may come across advice suggesting that particular sleeping positions, exercises or stretches can help turn a breech baby. However, there is no strong scientific evidence that simply sitting, lying or exercising in a specific position will reliably change the baby’s presentation.

Avoid forceful movements, applying pressure to your abdomen or following online techniques without medical guidance. If you would like to try pregnancy exercises or positioning techniques, speak to your gynaecologist first to make sure they are appropriate for you.

Dr. Sadhna Sharma advises, “Please do not blame yourself if your baby is breech or try unverified techniques at home. Your gynaecologist can assess whether the baby may turn naturally or whether a supervised procedure such as ECV is appropriate for you.”

What are the Delivery Options for a Breech Baby?

If your baby remains breech near the due date, your doctor will discuss the most appropriate delivery plan. The decision depends on your pregnancy, the baby’s position, and the expertise and facilities available.

1. Planned Caesarean Delivery

A planned C-section is commonly recommended when a baby remains breech near term. It allows the medical team to prepare for delivery in advance and helps avoid some of the complications associated with vaginal breech birth.

However, a cesarean section (C-section)  is a surgical procedure and requires recovery time. Your doctor will discuss possible risks, post-delivery care, and how a C-section may affect future pregnancies.

2. Planned Vaginal Breech Birth

A vaginal breech birth may be considered in carefully selected pregnancies when specific clinical criteria are met, and an appropriately experienced obstetric team is available.

It is not suitable for every breech pregnancy. Your doctor will assess the baby’s position and size, your health and other factors before discussing whether this option is appropriate.

If a vaginal breech birth is being considered, the medical team should explain the possible complications and circumstances in which an emergency C-section may become necessary.

3. External Cephalic Version Before Delivery

If you are a suitable candidate, ECV may help turn the baby into a head-down position before labour begins. This may increase the possibility of a vaginal birth, depending on your individual circumstances.

The procedure is performed in a setting where appropriate monitoring and emergency care are available. Your doctor will discuss its potential benefits, limitations and risks before you decide whether to proceed.

Dr. Sharma explains, “The aim is not simply to turn the baby or choose a particular type of delivery. It is to make a plan that prioritises the mother’s health and the baby’s safety, while helping parents understand their options and feel prepared for childbirth.”

When Should You Consult a Gynaecologist?

Regular antenatal appointments help your doctor monitor your baby’s growth, position and overall well-being. If you have been told that your baby is breech, particularly as you approach 36 weeks, discuss what this means for your pregnancy and whether any further assessment is needed.

Consider consulting a gynae doctor near you for an urgent medical assessment if you experience any of the following:

• Vaginal bleeding.

• Leakage of fluid from the vagina.

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain.

• Noticeably changed or reduced fetal movements.

• If your waters break and you know your baby is breech. A breech position can increase the risk of umbilical cord prolapse, which requires immediate medical attention.

Get Comprehensive Pregnancy Care In Gurgaon at Miracles Healthcare

Learning that your baby is in a breech position can bring uncertainty, especially as you prepare for childbirth. Guidance from an experienced gynaecologist can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your delivery.

Miracles Healthcare is a maternity hospital in Gurgaon, providing maternity and gynaecology services since 2002, supported by a team of 50+ female gynaecology doctors. With access to multispecialty medical support, the hospital helps address different healthcare needs that may arise during pregnancy and childbirth. Its Level III NICU provides specialised care for newborns who require advanced monitoring and medical support.

With centres in Sector 14, Sector 56, and Sector 82 in Gurgaon, the hospital makes maternity and gynaecology consultations accessible across multiple locations.

If you are looking for an obstetrician in Gurgaon, consult Dr. Sadhna Sharma at Miracles Healthcare to discuss your concerns regarding pregnancy, understand whether further assessment is needed, and explore the delivery options suitable for your pregnancy. Call 906-906-8800 to book your consultation and get expert guidance for your pregnancy.

Written and Verified by:

Dr. Sadhna Sharma Exp: 20

MBBS, MD (Obs. &Gynae.)

Meet the Doctor