Breech Birth at a Birth Center
Most expectant mothers expect their baby to be positioned head-down for delivery. However, sometimes a baby presents in a breech position, i.e. the buttocks or feet are near the cervix. This happens in about 3-4% of full-term births. Here’s how we manage breech births at our birth center.
Different Breech Positions
There are a few types of breech positions:
- Frank breech: The baby’s legs are straight up by its head, with the bottom facing the birth canal.
- Complete breech: The baby is cross-legged, with both its bottom and feet near the cervix.
- Footling breech: One or both baby’s feet are positioned to come out first.
Why Does Breech Birth Happen?
Several reasons can explain why a baby is in a breech position. Sometimes, the umbilical cord is short or the baby becomes tangled in it. In other cases, the baby fits better in the mother’s womb, or the uterus is shaped to encourage a breech position.
Managing a Breech Birth at a Birth Center
The staff at our birth center can identify if a baby is in a breech position. This can be done through a physical check or an ultrasound.
If a baby is in a breech position, a procedure called External Cephalic Version (ECV) may be performed. This is when a midwife uses their hands to gently move the baby into a head-down position by pressing on the mother’s abdomen. This method is safe and is done with careful monitoring.
If ECV isn’t an option, or if parents decide not to try it, we may recommend transferring to a hospital for delivery.
Our birth centers are well-prepared for this kind of transfer. We have an agreement with the local ambulance service to ensure the transfer is quick and seamless. Additionally, the doctor from the birth center has hospital privileges, so mom and baby are treated as private patients and not walk-ins.
Knowing what complications can arise during birth and the options available can make you feel more confident and prepared for your baby’s arrival. If you want to learn more about our services, send us a message!