Breech Babies Explained: Causes, Positions, and Delivery Options

A breech baby is positioned feet or buttocks first in the womb during the later stages of pregnancy, rather than the typical head-down position needed for a smoother delivery. This presentation can complicate labor and may lead to an increased risk of injury for both the baby and the mother. While many breech presentations resolve naturally before delivery, some persist, requiring medical intervention to ensure a safe birth.

Why Does Breech Presentation Happen?

The causes of breech baby presentations aren’t always clear, but several factors can increase the likelihood:

• Premature birth – Babies born earlier than 37 weeks often don’t have time to turn head-down.
• Multiple pregnancies – In cases of twins or triplets, space in the womb may be limited, preventing movement.
• Uterine abnormalities – An irregularly shaped uterus or fibroids can restrict fetal movement.
• Placenta previa – When the placenta covers the cervix, it can block the baby’s ability to shift downward.
• Amniotic fluid imbalances – Either too much or too little fluid can make it difficult for the baby to turn.

Types of Breech Positions

Not all breech babies present the same way. The baby’s exact positioning can influence delivery decisions and potential risks:

• Frank breech – The baby’s legs are stretched upward, with feet near the head and buttocks near the birth canal.
• Complete breech – The baby sits cross-legged, with knees bent and feet near the buttocks.
• Footling breech – One or both feet point downward, positioned to enter the birth canal first, increasing the chance of complications like head entrapment.

The position can also affect how easily a baby can be repositioned before birth or delivered safely.

Detecting a Breech Presentation

Breech positioning is often detected during routine prenatal visits through manual examination or ultrasound. By the 36th week of pregnancy, if the baby has not yet shifted into the head-down position, doctors may discuss strategies to help encourage the baby to turn. This proactive approach reduces the chances of a breech delivery at term.

Approaches to Repositioning a Breech Baby

The most reliable procedure for flipping a breech baby is External Cephalic Versions (ECV), which involves applying pressure to the abdomen to guide the baby into a head-down position.

In some cases, parents explore non-medical methods, such as specific exercises, swimming, or certain yoga poses, to encourage the baby to turn. Though results vary, these approaches are generally safe if done under medical guidance.

If the baby remains in a breech position as labor nears, the medical team may recommend a cesarean section to minimize risks.

Delivery Options for Breech Babies

When a baby does not turn head-down, the delivery plan depends on the baby’s position and overall health. A cesarean section is the most common and safest option, especially for babies in a foot-first or complete breech position. However, in some cases – particularly with frank breech babies – vaginal delivery may still be an option.

Vaginal breech deliveries are carefully monitored and typically reserved for situations where the baby’s size, position, and overall health present minimal risk.

Risks Associated with Breech Deliveries

Breech deliveries carry a higher risk of complications compared to head-down births. Some potential concerns include:

• Oxygen deprivation – If the head becomes stuck during delivery, there is a risk of reduced oxygen supply. This can lead to HIE, a condition linked to long-term neurological damage.
• Physical trauma – Babies delivered vaginally in a breech position are at greater risk of fractures or nerve damage.
• Umbilical cord issues – In some cases, the umbilical cord may slip through the cervix before the baby, potentially cutting off the oxygen supply.

Additionally, breech positioning increases the likelihood of developmental issues like hip dysplasia, where abnormal pressure on the baby’s hips in the womb can affect joint formation.

Preventable Complications and Malpractice

While many breech births are managed safely, there are cases where medical errors contribute to unnecessary complications. A failure to properly monitor, diagnose, or intervene can lead to long-term health conditions, such as cerebral palsy or severe injury during delivery.

Healthcare providers may be held accountable if they neglect to:

• Identify and manage breech positioning during late pregnancy.
• Recommend a cesarean section despite clear risks.
• Respond promptly to signs of fetal distress during labor.
• Properly perform a vaginal breech delivery, resulting in injury to the baby.

In these cases, families may consider seeking legal support to explore options for compensation. Consulting a malpractice lawyer (malpractice lawyer) can help parents understand their rights and pursue justice if medical negligence is suspected.

Seeking Legal Help for Breech Birth Injuries

For families dealing with complications from a breech birth, legal assistance can be crucial in securing compensation to cover long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Joseph Lichtenstein has represented families in birth injury cases, achieving multi-million dollar verdicts for clients affected by breech deliveries and other birth complications.