With all of that amniotic fluid in there, it's no wonder some babies can't tell up from down while in the womb. Approximately three percent of all babies are breech at the time of birth, meaning their heads are up and their feet are either up at their heads, down at the cervix, or crossed in a seated position. While some mamas-to-be look at a breech baby as a prescription for a C-section, others try everything in their power to turn that lil one around. External versions and visits to the chiropractor are the most popular ways to try to turn things upside down, but oftentimes midwives have other ideas too. Take this quiz to see if you can separate fact from fiction when it comes to turning breech babies!
Upside Down Pregnancy: Was Your Baby Breech?
Humans live right side up, but most babies are born upside down. Once a woman is late into her pregnancy, a doctor or midwife usually monitors the baby's position. Some medical professionals encourage the expectant mom to schedule a c-section if the tot doesn't turn, but one in 25 babies is born in a breech position There are three types of breech babies:
Frank breech: The fetus' buttocks are aimed toward the birth canal and the legs stick straight up in front of the body. The feet are near the head.
Complete breech: The buttocks are down, with the legs folded at the knees and the feet near the buttocks.
Footling breech: One or both of the fetus' feet are pointing down and will come out first.
Was your baby born breech?
babysugar Diaries: Breech and Turning
One of the things I discovered in the last couple of weeks during all of my many prenatal visits is that my baby is currently breech. With an overload of amniotic fluid floating around my baby, this wee one has been flipping around like a dolphin inside. Time is still on my side and I'm hoping the child will find its way down in the next few weeks. Hopefully I'll be able to avoid a c-section that breech positioning often requires. A co-worker of mine just went through just about every procedure to turn her baby.
To see what steps she took (and I might take), read more
Baby Bump: Breech Turning Procedure
Some women carrying breech babies (babies positioned feet down in the womb) who don't want a c–section delivery, often want to try to flip the baby into the easier head down birthing position.
To see what the "flipping" procedure involves, read more
