How to Turn a Breech Baby

When pregnancy nears delivery, the foetus should attain a position in which its head is down in the uterus and ready for birth. If the baby is in breech position (head up and legs down in uterus), delivery may be through a caesarean section or the mother may have difficulties in delivery. There are certain exercises, which may help you in turning your baby in a head-down position. Some exercises are discussed below to help your baby attain this position.

Pelvic Tilt

For pelvic tilt, you will need a large and strong board such as an ironing board. First, place one end of the board on a couch and the opposite side on the floor.  Now, position yourself in such a way that you are lying with your head downwards (placed on the lower end) and legs and pelvis in the air. Do it only when there is someone to supervise you. It can be performed two or three times in a day for 5 minutes each time.

Breech Tilt Exercise

It is a common exercise done to turn the baby in head-down position. You can use a pillow to do the breech tilt. Place the pillow near a wall so that when you raise your legs, they are placed against the wall. Stack the pillow under your hips, raise your legs slowly and massage your stomach in a downward direction. This exercise will encourage your baby to move out of pelvis and flip his or her position to the head-down position. You can do this twice a day, but do not remain in this position for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Cat Stretch

Cat Stretch, a yoga exercise, can also assist you in turning your baby to the head-first position.  First, knee down on the floor and without any hurry lower your body by placing your palms on the floor. Hold this position for few seconds and try to lower your head further. Do not put too much stress on the abdomen, stack a pillow under your chest, but keep your buttocks and stomach raised. Be in this position for ten seconds and repeat 10 times.

Swimming

Swimming pool provides you with gravity-less environment and underwater, you can do headstands or handstands to turn your breech baby. Make sure you are trained to do the mentioned exercises. The water makes you feel lighter and you can stretch easily without too much of body strain. Hold your breath underwater for few seconds and repeat it 15 times. While doing swimming exercises, a midwife or helping person must be present.

Crawling

Crawling on our fours may also help your baby attain the head-down position. While crawling, make sure your back is straight and his or her head is in a comfortable position. Breathe easily and crawl for ten minutes. Once you stop crawling, lay on the floor with your chest, head and toes touching it for three minutes.

These exercises will turn your breech baby in the head-down position thereby, improving the chances of vaginal birth. Not all these exercises are feasible for every pregnant woman. Some of them can be performed at home and some need medical help or supervision for doing them. Before practising these exercises, consult your gynecologist.

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