During pregnancy, a breech position baby can be an uncommon occurrence that can surprise parents. It is important to understand what it is and how it can impact the childbirth process.
A breech position baby is a newborn who is positioned the wrong way during delivery, with their feet and legs facing toward the birth canal instead of being in a head-down position. There are three types of breech positions: frank breech, footling breech, and complete breech.
A frank breech is when the baby's buttocks are facing the birth canal, their legs are straight up in front of their body, and their feet are near their head. A footling breech is when one or both of the baby's feet are positioned to go through the birth canal first. A complete breech is when the baby is in a sitting position, with their feet near their buttocks and their knees bent.
While having a breech position baby in the womb isn't dangerous for the child during pregnancy, it can make childbirth more complicated. It usually occurs at the end of the third trimester, in the last few weeks of pregnancy. The risk of complications during childbirth is higher because the baby's head is not in the optimal position for delivery. In some cases, a vaginal delivery of a breech baby may not be possible or safe, and a cesarean section may be necessary.
It is important to discuss the risks and options with a healthcare provider if a breech position baby is suspected. They can provide information on how to manage the situation and the safest delivery method for both the mother and baby.