Definition

Most babies move into a head-down position in the uterus before labor. The baby is in a breech position when its buttocks or feet are in place to come out first. There are three types:

• Frank breech—the baby’s buttocks are down and the legs extend straight up in front of the body with the feet up near the head
• Complete breech—the baby’s buttocks are down with the legs bent at the knees and the feet near the buttocks
• Footling or incomplete breech—one or both of the baby’s feet are down

Almost all breech babies are delivered by cesarean section.

Complete Breech Birth Position Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

It is not fully understood why a baby is breech.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of a baby being in this position are:

• Having prior pregnancies
• Being pregnant with two or more babies
• Too much or too little amniotic fluid
• Problems with the uterus or how it works
• A placenta that covers the opening of the uterus—placenta previa
• Early birth
• Fluid around the baby's brain—hydrocephalus

Symptoms

There are no symptoms when a baby is breech. Some women feel kicking in the lower part of the belly. Others feel hiccups above the belly button. Babies move around often. It can be hard to tell which position a baby is in.

Diagnosis

The baby's position will be checked a few weeks before the due date. This is done with a physical exam. The healthcare provider can feel the position through the belly wall by moving their hands in different places. This helps find the baby's head, back, and buttocks. The baby's heartbeat can also help find its position.

An ultrasound can confirm a breech position.

Treatment

The baby may still be in a breech position during the last weeks of pregnancy. Options are:

Prevention

There is no way to keep a baby from moving into a breech position at the end of a pregnancy.