So you're beginning your third trimester, the days are slowly ticking away, and after your most recent check up your baby is breech. Well, at 28 weeks you're in the 25% percentile, and 1 in 4 babies are still breech, however as you get closer to that 40 week mark, it's much less common for your baby to remain breech. According to Babycenter, by week 32, about 7% of babies are still breech, and by week 34 the number is closer to 3-4%, about the going rate for breech pregnancies. And if by week 36 your baby still hasn't turned, at your next OB appointment, your OB will most likely begin discussing alternative child birth options and/ or methods for turning your baby.
If you're like me, and nearing the beginning of your 34th week, you might be starting to get a little concerned, and although there is still no reason to be, sometimes it's hard to sit back and just wait. So once you hit that 32 week mark why not start trying to turn your baby, and give yourself some piece of mind. Your baby may take their sweet time and choose to continue to wait, but if they turn you can rest at ease that you no longer need to have those scary discussions about interventions.
Looking to learn more about breech babies including exactly what a breech presentation means, as well as the many risks and complications that come with delivering a breech baby? The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists has you covered. If not scroll down to read more about Naturally Turning Your Breech Baby.
Naturally Turning Your Breech Baby
Yoga and Stretching
Yoga is one of the best methods for turning a breech baby, and really just preparing for pregnancy in general.
Bridge Pose- Do this for 10 minutes a day. If you find your back getting sore, use pillows to prop yourself up and support your lower back while holding this pose to help you keep that pelvic tilt.
Downward Dog Pose- This is one of the most well known poses to get that inversion for your baby. The next pose is similar, but in my opinion a bit easier.
Dolphin Pose- This one was my favorite position as it was a great way to stretch and unlike many similar poses that put weight on your wrists like above, this pose puts them on your forearms. I would hold this pose for about 10 seconds, then rock back into child's pose for about 10 seconds and continue to move back and forth between the two.
Child's Pose- Do this for 10 minutes, as many times as you'd like throughout the day. This pose is super easy and oh so relaxing. If you don't want to hold it for the whole time, try just rocking back and forth from this pose to your hands and knees while breathing and focusing on keeping your butt in the air.
The links above are from Yoga Journal, where experts show you the steps to master each of these pregnancy perfect poses. All these positions either raise your hips making baby want to flip or support widening your pelvic area to make more room for baby to turn.
Sleeping
Yes, even while sleeping there are things you can do to try to get your baby to turn. You've probably heard all of the benefits of sleeping on your left side while pregnant, so add helping your baby to turn as one of them. Besides the fact that sleeping on the left provides your baby with optimal oxygen, it also give you the opportunity to keep your hips wide and give your baby the space they need to turn. As you sleep place a pillow between your legs so your hips stay open even as you snooze. (That is for those few times you are truly sleeping these days).
Stimulation
Although these are a little less proven, these can be some of the most fun to try. Your baby may be small, but they can already see and hear inside of you. They are active and smart and sometimes stimulating their brain may do the trick.
Music- Maybe you have a little Mozart, and music is your answer. Placing headphones or ear buds down low towards the bottom of your pelvis may get your baby to turn toward the sound. I have a station I listen to all the time with relaxing music while I'm around the house, and my baby actually responds to it by kicking when I hold the sound to my stomach. So pick a favorite station, play it often, then see if your baby responds to it.
Heat- Babies like warmth (but not too warm). Try placing a heating back on the lowest setting down by your pelvis to see if the baby will move closer to the heat.
Light- Babies can also be curious and are starting to see light at this point. Try shining a light towards the bottom of your pelvis, and see if baby is curious enough to check it out.
Even if they don't get your baby to turn, these are still some fun and great ways to stimulate and play with your baby before they are born.
Good Posture
Good posture is always recommended, but this can be hard while carrying that extra baby weight. Your body is made to help your baby get into the ideal position though, so having the correct posture will give your baby the room they need to turn. Focus on tucking your pelvis so your body is in a straight line while standing and walking, head over shoulders, shoulders over hips. While sitting focus on sitting up straight and tall. Use a back support if necessary, and try not to stay in the same stationary position for long periods of time.
Swimming
Any exercise is great for mom and baby, so if you have access to a pool and feel best working out here try to hit the water 3 times a week. The feeling of weightlessness for you can be relaxing on your muscles and less taxing on your body. It also relieves downward pressure on your baby. While in a safe area, with enough water so you don't bump your head, try doing squats and flips in the water to help turn baby while they have limited pressure.
Remember that every baby is different and sometimes babies won't turn till the very end or even at all. Your baby knows what is best though, so if your baby doesn't turn there is probably a reason, and at that point you need to remember that your doctor knows what is best and will guide you down the best path for both you and your baby.
Leave a comment letting us know what methods you like best. Did any work for you? What else have you seen success with? Tell us below!
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