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Breech Birth: Care Instructions

Normal and frank breech position of fetus

Your Care Instructions

During most of your pregnancy, your baby has plenty of room to move around. Close to birth, there is not much room left. As birth gets close, most babies settle into a head-down position. When a baby's rear end (buttocks) or feet are down near the birth canal (vagina), it is called a breech position. Most breech babies are healthy. Most don't have problems after birth.

You probably can't tell that your baby is breech. Your doctor may have told you about your baby's position during a visit. You may have had an ultrasound test to show that your baby is breech.

Your doctor may give you exercises to do at home. These may help move your baby into the right position. If they don't, your doctor may try to turn your baby. Your doctor will use his or her hands to press certain parts of your belly. This often can work to move the baby. Before and after, you will have a test to make sure that your baby's heart is beating as it should.

If your baby turns the right way, your doctor will check you often. This is to make sure that the baby stays head-down until labour starts. You may then be able to have a vaginal delivery.

If your baby is breech when your labour starts, you are likely to have surgery to deliver the baby. This is called a caesarean section (C-section). While some breech babies are delivered through a vaginal birth, this may slightly increase health risks to the baby and the mother. Discuss the risks and benefits of a vaginal breech delivery with your doctor.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Have regular checkups all through your pregnancy. This will help you know your baby's position before you go into labour.
  • Ask your doctor about special exercises that may help to turn your baby into the normal birth position. If your doctor recommends these exercises, do them as your doctor tells you to.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You think that you are in labour.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any other questions or concerns.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.