Breech at 38 weeks--any hope he'll turn?

[PretzelBaker]

I went to my doctor today and he thinks my baby might be breech. I am going in for an ultrasound tomorrow to see. I am almost 38 weeks at this point. Does anyone know what the odds are of him turning between now and delivery (this is my first baby, if that matters) or what the success rate is for that thing they do where they try to turn him by pressing on my tummy? I cannot do a homebirth with my midwife if he is breech and my doc wants to c-section me. I sooooooooo don't want a c-section

thanks,
Libby

[cottonwood]

I don't know what the odds are, but I hear stories all the time of babies turning naturally even up until labor starts. They can try to turn him manually, but a lot of care should be taken with that, because sometimes babies are breech for a reason, and to try to force them to turn can lead to distress. There are also more gentle things you can do at home to try to turn him -- here are some ideas: http://gentlebirth.org/archives/breech.html

You of course have the right to refuse surgery, but I sure wouldn't want someone assisting me who didn't want to be or didn't have the skills. Is there any chance of your switching back-up to a doctor who will deliver breech? Or finding a midwife who will?

[nikirj]

My first turned just 3 days before she was born so it is certainly possible. Boy did it hurt though - she must have been pretty crowded in there and I felt like she was going to break right through my belly (or bust my spine) while she was turning around.

[mollyeilis]

There's also the chance of finding a chiropractor skilled in the Webster Technique. It's a pelvic adjustment done to relax the pelvis so the baby can move if it wants to (it's not a version, is what I'm saying).

But I've heard of breech babies turning right up to being born.

Gosh, if someone thought I had a breech, I'd be *avoiding* getting proof of it, because then it could just be a "surprise", like undiagnosed twins. Just an idea!

[pure]

I work in a hospital. Just the other week we had a woman come in to have a cesarean because she was breech. I felt around and thought-hmmm, I don't think that is a head up there. Sure enough, she wasn't breech and delivered vaginally! I learned my lesson because a couple of years ago at a different hospital a woman came in for a cesarean for breech and when they got to the baby it was head down. Now I always check first ( by the way, the one at the other hospital wasn't my patient. I like to think I would've figured her out too if given the chance )

[MamaAllNatural]

Yes there is still a chance. Do all the exercises that help turn babies (PM me if they haven't been mentioned yet and/or you need specifics). Even things like ice & massage and coaxing the baby down w/someone's voice or music the baby likes can help. You can try an external version as well (by midwife or doctor). I'd also highly recommend going to a chiropractor that is experienced w/pregnant women. Really give turning the baby a good try.

However, if you can't turn the baby, that doesn't mean you have to have a C-Section. No one can make you surgically remove your baby. There have been many babies delivered breech. Look into this option thoroughly before you decide to go the C-Section route. It makes a difference what position the baby is in (full breech, footling breech etc.). Some are easier to deliver than others and this can help you make your decision. It is best to have a midwife who has delivered breech babies before as well. Good luck.

[pamamidwife]

Have you tried checking with local chiropractors to see if they do the Webster Technique? I had a client have this done and baby turned at 39 weeks - an 11lb 9oz baby!

Does your mw have any ideas? She probably can offer some homeopathic remedy (Pulsatilla), maybe some positioning ideas and moxabustion.

Here's more info: http://gentlebirth.org/archives/breech.html

[lovebugmama]

I second the moxibustion recommendation. Usually it is performed by an accupuncturist. It can be done by burning herbs near the toes or using needles and/or pressure points. I think it has pretty good results.

[tammylc]

I found out I was breech at 37 weeks. I tried everything - tilt board, chiropractic, moxibustion, music, ice, handstands under water, etc. My midwives tried a version which didn't work. My OB tried a version at 39 weeks, which also didn't work - the baby could only get so far, then its heart rate would drop. Clearly he wanted to be heads up.

My midwives were willing to do a vaginal breech delivery at home if I felt really strongly about it. But I wasn't willing to take the risk, so I chose to have a c-section at 40w1d. I scheduled my section, but my OB was willing to let me wait until I went into labor if I had wanted to allow the maximum possible time for the baby to turn.

I've posted a lot about my story - if you want to read more, you can look up my posts, or PM me if you have specific questions.

[PretzelBaker]

Well the ultrasound showed he is heads down after all. he just has a really hard butt I guess. I really have felt he is heads down for a long time now. I should have trusted my instincts and not the doctor I guess

Thanks so much to everyone for all your help. I was doing the knees-chest position last night and visualizing and talking to him. He must have been so confused!