Are there any at home exercises good to do to try to turn a breech baby?

Question

I just recently had a 4D ultrasound done. They sent the results back to my regular doctor. When my doctor discovered that the baby is still breech at almost 36 weeks she ordered another ultrasound and had it set up for next week (week 36). I was told that if he is still breech I may end up getting a external cephalic version done to try to move the baby manually. Are there any kind of exercises I can do at home between now and then to try to move him on my own?

Answer 1

I found this website on the same question at different weeks gestation: http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/plabor/0,,3psr,00.html

I am 31 weeks pregnant and my baby is breech. I have read about exercises that can encourage a breech baby to turn. What are these exercises and do they work?

There is some evidence that breech exercises do work, but because most babies turn spontaneously before 34 weeks, it is hard to substantiate this. At 36 to 37 weeks, external cephalic version can be done to turn the baby if necessary.

Breech exercises generally involve positioning yourself so that your buttocks are elevated above the level of your head. Some women lie on an ironing board, inclined with one end on a couch and one end on the floor. Lying in this position for 20 minutes, three times a day might give the baby the message that it should turn around.

If you become nauseated or lightheaded do not continue this exercise. I hope this works for you, but in most cases, the baby will reposition itself without any special regime.

http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/plabor/0,,9w8j,00.html
A breech presenting baby is one who has his head up and bottom down. Breech vaginal birth is safe with a patient doctor with breech experience. The outcome of vaginally delivered babies is excellent. The chance of complication is quite rare. The one problem is a hyper extended neck. While there are some doctors who are willing to deliver breech babies, too often they are more willing to perform a cesarean. This makes it important to try and turn the baby to vertex position. First, check with your caregiver to see if there is any medical reason why you should not try these things. Do not be discouraged if he laughs and says 'It will not work!' You can encourage your baby to turn.

Water Works
Immersing yourself in water will increase your amniotic fluid, helpful to the baby's turning. Try the tub. Fill it with warm water and soak, while visualizing and verbally encouraging your baby to turn.

If you have access to a pool, get in it! Do a headstand in the water! Simply playing, turning somersaults, and swimming can encourage the baby to turn. Try diving headfirst into the pool, if the pool is deep enough. Be sure the pool is warm enough for you to relax.

Chiropractor Visits
A visit or two to the chiropractor can be a great benefit. An adjustment called the 'Webster breech-turn technique' can give the baby the extra space he needs to turn.

Exercises
Do not try this if you have high blood pressure. Try breech tilts -- 10 minutes twice a day for two to three weeks after the 30th week. Prop one end of an ironing board securely on a sofa or chair. You may also use pillows on a flat surface to raise hips. Lie down, bend knees but keep feet flat on board. The pelvis needs to be raised 9 to 12 inches above the head. Relax and breathe deeply. This should be done on an empty stomach, while the baby is active. Continue only until baby has turned.

Homeopathic Measures
If your baby is found to be breech close to your due date, try homeopathic Pulsatilla 200c once a day. Repeat one more day if the baby hasn't turned yet. If your baby found to be breech early, Pulsatilla 30c take three to five pellets under the tongue twice daily for two weeks. Or try using homeopathic Pulsatilla 6X one tablet under the tongue four times a day. Take Pulsatilla tablets, then do breech tilt.
Voices and Music
It is well documented that babies can hear in uteri. Maybe your baby has turned to hear your voice or heartbeat better. Have your partner or a friend talk to the baby close to the bottom of your belly. Try placing earphones on your lower abdomen and play music (try whale sounds) to your baby.

Cold Things
While doing breech tilt, place a bag of frozen peas on the back side of the baby's head- babies tend to move away from the cold. Place a flashlight or music close to the vagina- babies tend to move toward the light and music.

Acupressure Points
The body is all interconnected and there are points that can be stimulated to help the baby change position. There are different techniques that can be used to simulate these pressure points. There are acupuncture needles or a heat treatment known as moxibustion. You can also apply pressure yourself, using your fingernail. If there is an acupuntrurist available who is familiar with these techniques, try it!

Visualization
This can be done anytime you are relaxed. Try it in the tub or while doing tilts. Imagine the baby turning somersaults. Breathe deeply. Search yourself to be free of fear and ready for the baby.

There is more if you want to read it by going there: http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/plabor/0,,9w8j-4,00.html

I wish you and your baby and family the best. Happy New Year and congratulations.

Answer 2

For my breech, the doc told me I could try proppong my bottom on the couch and shoulders on the floor. Some achieve the position with an ironing board; I achieved it with lots of pillows. I did this 3X a day for about 15 minutes each. Also suggested was laying like a kid reading a book on your ebows and knees (or pillows under your knees), putting your shoulders as olw as possible adn bottom as high as possible. If you know the bbay is active at certain times of the day, I'd try these excercises then.

I also tried putting a bag of frozen peas on the top of my belly, playing music at the bottom of my belly and shining light at the bottom as well.

Unfortunately, these didn't work for me. It was my first baby and the muscles are tighter then, so she was less likely to turn with excercises or ECV anyway. I tried to stay more optimistic than the doctor. I am also small and had a 9lb baby, so that didn't help me either!

I tried ECV as well and it didn't work for me for the reasons I described. They admit you to the hospital because there is a small risk that it could send you into labor and it is quite painful. I had bruises afterwards. I wanted a natural birth so badly, no one could talk me out of it, but I believe I'd think twice knowing what I know now!

The doctors and nurses reassured me she could turn up to the last minute and one said they saw it once, so don't lose hope.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Wow honey, I don't have anything to say to you that would compare to what Stephanie said! I am amazed at the amount of information she gave you!
All I wanted to say was that all of my babies were born by cesarean section and I would not have had it any other way. Having a breech baby would just scare me to death. I have heard such awful things that can happen. I just wanted to let you know that having a cesarean section can be a joyful, wonderful experience. Just in case it were to be your only resort, I wanted to tell you that I got to be awake, I saw my babies born, I got to nurse them within moments of their being born and it was wonderful! I never had any pain that I could not handle, the pain meds were awesome and I was up walking around that same day. C-sections are not the end of the world that many would make you think. The important thing is a safe, healthy baby, that has to come first. Go ahead and try the things that were suggested. I just wanted to say that if it all fails and the baby is stubborn, don't be afraid of a cesarean, I had wonderful experiences!
Take care honey and good luck to you.
Blessings
Lady T~

Answer 4

Yep, I did. I did a lot squats (hold on to a chair because it's hard to get back up). I also would get on all fours so baby had some room. Walking was the key!!! I walked for 3 hours straight at Disneyland. My baby turned and dropped and I was induced before he had a chance to move back up and had an easy vaginal birth.

Answer 5

my son was breeched intil 39 weeks. I did some jumping jacks he got so mad on them and also sitting in the washer makes them want to move and mine turned at the last min.
don't worry there is still time for the baby to turn and good luck

Answer 6

I went to a chiropractor that is the only advice i can give id tell you more but i don't want to be liable for something you decided to do and you or your baby was injured

Answer 7

all i think of to help you would be to get a pair of inversion boots and use them.