Breech Baby - Prior Lake,MN

Updated on May 24, 2009
S.J. asks from Prior Lake, MN
51 answers

Hi All, I am in my 35 weeks of pregnancy and recently learned thru ultrasound that my baby is in breech position. My doctor suggested to do a version where she will attempt to turn baby head down in my 36 weeks. I have learned thru various source that this involves some complications like:premature rupture of membrane, fetal distress, slowing in baby's heart rate, placental abruption,preterm labor and possible cord entanglement. The success rate in this procedure is around 40%.

I would like to know if anyone has any experience with this type of situation and what did they do. I am scared of the risk involved. I need to make decision in a week to either go for it or go for a planned C-Section, which I am not too happy about either, as my first one was V-born and I have good chances of having tthis baby also normally delivered if only he turns head down.

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K.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

I was in the same boat as you with my second (first was v**inal). My second flipped to breach at 38 weeks when she was head down the rest of the pregnancy. My doctor said it is about a 40% success rate with 1st time mothers (there's not as much room/streching there yet), but with second time Mom's that success rate goes up to about 60%. I tried it because I did not want a c-section. It was not that painful and I was not overly worried that something bad would happen to my baby since it is performed in the hospital. They monitor everything very closely and have an ultrasound right in the room. Mine was unsuccessful (but so close) and I would try it again in an instant if it ever happened to me again. The c-section was not as bad as a v**inal delivery in a lot of ways, but had it's own downfalls as well. Overall the section was not as bad as I thought, but would still prefer a v**inal any day. Good luck!

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L.T.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had a version at 36 weeks with my second son. It was painful (just imagine how hard they have to push on your stretched out belly to turn the baby) but it worked and I'm glad I went through with it. The risks involved are very rare. You and the baby are monitored very closely during and after the procedure, and they are ready for any complications. Think of it this way - the risks involved in a C-Section are much worse, surgery vs no surgery.
Of course keep trying other methods of turning the baby, you still have some time to let him turn on his.
Good luck!

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S.

answers from Minneapolis on

My 3rd baby was breech at 36 weeks. I was so worried about it, I didn't want a C-section. I received a lot of advice from moms whose breech babies turned...so I was hopeful. My midwive told me about www.spinningbabies.com . I checked it out, and did the inversion techniques. Spent time on all fours scrubbing my floor. My daughter did switch positions all by herself. She came at 40 weeks.

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H.P.

answers from Milwaukee on

Acupuncture. It worked to induce my labor. My cousin used it and her water broke right there! I have heard it works wonders and immediately for turning breech babies.

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A.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I also had a breech baby at 35 weeks and opted to try the inversion...it worked! I heard nothing but horror stories about the procedure before I had it done.
There are some risks but they monitor things very closely. It is a little uncomfortable but the end result was a head down baby!

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J.M.

answers from Sheboygan on

If I were you, I would give yourself some more time. Your baby may yet turn around on it's own without any help. I don't understand why doctors are so quick to push for a c-section or try complicated procedures when there is still time for the baby to make the move on its own, especially considering the risks to you and the baby. At 36 weeks you still have a couple of weeks before your baby is even due. I know it would be more convenient for your doctor if you do a scheduled c-section (no middle of the night call for her), but you need to take everything into consideration. If I were you, I would gather information about c-sections so that you are prepared if you have to have one, otherwise give your baby some time to turn around on its own and go into labor naturally when it's time. If your baby hasn't turned by then, then have a c-section. I still suggest not having one unless it's absolutely necessary. I would plan on a v**inal birth, and have a "plan b" in case you have to have a c-section.

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K.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

My 4th child was breech and I was also given the option of having the dr. try to flip her or a c-section. I chose to have them try to turn her around and it was successful, however, if I was presented with the situation again I wouldn't do it. Although the procedure is short it was excruciating. Worse than labor and delivery and 2 of my children were born without the assistance of an epidural or any other drugs. I litterally was bed-ridden for the next 2 days feeling like I had been beat up. The procedure was performed at 36 weeks and my dr. recommended me being induced immediately after the procedure (for a variety of reasons). However, the dr. who performed the procedure refused as I was not yet considered full-term. So for 1 week there was the risk that the baby might have turned back to the breech position and I would have been in the same situation again. Luckily she did not and was born at 37 weeks healthy as can be. If you do decide to have the inverision, I would wait until they are ready to deliver the baby so you do not have to worry about the baby flipping back and the baby may turn around on it's own.
Best of luck!!

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B.H.

answers from St. Cloud on

My son was breech as well. They explained the version technique to me and I just didn't want to take the chance of something going wrong so I went with the c-section. Honestly, it was the best decision for me and my son. He was 9lbs 14oz when born so I don't believe that he was meant to turn around - there was no room :o).

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P.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

My first was breech and at 36+ weeks if there is a complication they'd deliver by emergency c-section so my version was done at the hospital just in case there was a complication. The doctor said only 1 in 4 will turn and they tried several times and no luck.

My second was breech too and because of the previous c-section they wouldn't attempt a version so I had to schedule a c-section but before I went into surgery the doctor did an ultrasound and confirmed she was still indeed breech.

I heard it's better to do the version at 35-36 weeks rather than the 39-41 weeks that I was at.

I don't know what v-born means. I know a child can be frank breech and is like a v in the uterus so did you deliver a breech child v**inally or was the first by c-section?

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W.D.

answers from Lincoln on

My first baby was breech. I was unable to have the option of "having her turned" because if the placement of the placenta...too great of risk of it tearing. I had a c-section and all was fine. I do know that my cousin had to have her 3rd baby turned and she said it was very painful. Good luck to you!

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B.B.

answers from Madison on

I was a breech baby and the doctor had to turn me. There were no complications, and that was 20 some-odd years ago. Good luck with whatever you choose.

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J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

S.-
I work at a chiropractic clinic and one of the doctors at our clinic has postgraduate certification in prenatal care and I know that he has been successful in giving certain chiropractic adjustments, which allow the baby to turn on it's own. (Pain free for mom and baby!) He gives free consultations and I saw him for treatment while I was pregnant with both of my boys. (He also treats them both now.) If you would like information about how to come in for the free consultation, send me a message and I will get it to you. We have clinics located in St. Louis Park and Shorewood. Good luck!!!
J.

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S.J.

answers from Madison on

I was transverse with my now 3.5 month old and I tried the chiropractic webster technique, moxibustion (acupuncture) and also had a version done. Unfortunately, nothing worked because she had a leg stuck down all the time. The webster technique felt great and I would recommend it anyway but the version wasn't that bad -
The other thing I can recommend is the hypnobabies track that is for turning babies. I also listened to it everyday - you can find it at hypnobabies.com - good luck.

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A.H.

answers from Appleton on

Same situation for me and my first child. I was about 35 weeks and she was breech. I've heard stories from other, older moms about how their babies turned even on the day they were born, so don't be scared about it being too late for yours to turn as well.
My ultrasound indicated that my baby was about 8 lbs, so they were concerned she wouldn't turn on her own and gave me the same options you've been given...version or c-section. I opted for the version. Even with the risks involved, I felt comfortable going ahead with it because they do it in the hospital and are prepared to go ahead with a c-section if things go sour.
My version was a success. My only side effects were a little shakiness for about an hour afterwards from the uterine muscle relaxant they give you, a couple bruises on my belly, and a head-down baby!
I would say the experience was a little uncomfortable, but not terribly painful. If you've already been through labor with your older child, you'll be fine with the version. Piece of cake!

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S.K.

answers from Omaha on

I didn't read through all the replies, hopefully some of them work for you.

I had this problem with my first baby. They tried to turn her and it did not work. I did not have any problems afterwards. I ended up having a c-section.

My 2nd baby was also breech. I had a friend then that was a prenatal nurse. She told me how to turn the baby myself. It worked and has worked for 2 other people I have told. RIGHT BEFORE YOU GO TO BED, GET DOWN ON OUR HANDS AND KNEES BY THE BED. DO 10 BACK ARCHES, LIKE A CAT. THEN GET STRAIGHT IN BED, DO NOT WALK AROUND. I did it for a week and the next time I went to the Dr the baby had turned.

I don't know if it will work for you, but it may be worth a try. It is very simple and won't hurt anything.

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J.J.

answers from Omaha on

I would be hesitate to do a version at 36 weeks because of the risk of going into labor. I would suggest that they try no eariler than 38 weeks. In the meantime your baby may flip on his own and everything will be fine. I've heard of lots of babies flipping at the end.

I just know that if it were me I wouldn't do a version that early because of the risk.

Good Luck!

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K.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

You could always see a chiropractor. they can help adjust you so your body gets back in line and it helps your pelvis open. Also, acupressure is a risk free options. My chiropractor does this and had had aroun 2 out of 3 success rate!
Good luck!

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J.F.

answers from Fargo on

Did you know that acupuncture can be a successful way in getting the baby to turn? Also, chiropractors can do the webster technique to turn baby. Both are far from invasive and have such success! I would look into these before thinking you'd have to have a c-section.

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K.L.

answers from Madison on

Didn't read other responses so hope not repeating. I've heard stories of success with shining a flashlight on your v**ina - "head to the light" kind of a thing.

R.B.

answers from La Crosse on

I haven't read the other responses yet...

Dont do anything yet!!

What ever you do.. don't have the baby turned! My son #4 was breech up until the day before I had him. My dr also told me that my son was breech and we went threw all the options. One of them was turning the baby. He said he has to tell me about the option but he doesn't recomend it. One it very painful for the mother and it can add stress to the baby. It can cause premature birth adding to more problems. It can actually cause physical harm to the baby.

So we scheduled a c-section at 39 weeks. He didn't want to wait until 40 weeks because my labors are very short... shortest being 40mins, longest was my first at 4 hours. I went in to have the c-section on the morning scheduled, they did an ultrasound and he had turned on his own between that morning and the afternoon before when I had the last ultrasound. Since I was in there they induced me instead and I was still able to hold my son that day.

My son wasn't that little either he was 8# 2oz. They told me that its actually very common for a baby to turn right before the woman goes into labor. His head was down and he was dropped into place and ready to go.

So my advice is be patient and if it comes down to it have the c-section, if you have another baby the chances are good you can still have a v**inal birth for that one.

Good luck with your choice and your little one.

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K.D.

answers from Madison on

I am both a mom of 4 and a Registered Nurse in OB, I have taken care of Moms that have had Versions and Moms that have C sections for breech. A C/S is a longer recovery time but really most Moms do great! I also have personal experience to share, my 3rd child was breech, I went into labor at 39 weeks and went to the hospital where they checked me and was head down, I went home to walk around and let labor progress when I returned to the hospital later at Midnight she was breech!! I opted for the version since I had never had a C/S with the older 2. They gave me an epidural and it was done in the C/S OR room so that if her heart rate dropped or placenta detached or any distress they could proceed to the C/S right away. They gave me a medication called Terbutaline to stop my contractions and make my uterus soft. My husband was there with me and said the 2 doctors each got on one side of my belly and pushed and turned her. All I felt was pressure, she tolerated it fine and was head down by ultrasound so then they gave me pitocin to restart up my contractions and to push her down into my pelvis so her head would engage and then she wouldnt turn. 3 hrs later she was born v**inally:) They said since she was on the small side 6lbs 5 oz. and she was my 3rd there was more room for her to turn at the last moment. I hadnt even felt her turn. After the epidural wore off I felt slightly bruised on my sides and belly for a few days, but nothing Ibuprofen couldnt fix. My 4 th child was never breech and I had him v**inally as well, If I would have had the C/S he might have needed to be a C/S too. I would wait a few more weeks to decide, like others said the baby might turn on its own. The only thing is if your water breaks you will have to go for the C/S then if the baby is still breech, since the version cant be done if there is no fluid. I personally only know of a few MDs who will deliver breech, it is very risky if the cord comes out first or if babys head or shoulders get stuck. Good luck on making your decision:0)

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L.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

You should look into the Webster Technique. I've heard great things about it!

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A.H.

answers from Sheboygan on

My sister's baby was breech around the same time. She would go on her hands and knees with her head down and her butt in the air for 15 minutes a couple times a day. The baby turned the next week. My mom also said this worked for her. Good luck!

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K.W.

answers from La Crosse on

Both of my babies were breech, With my first one i tried the natural techniques(like the ones Kris suggested) and it worked fine. I also did some gentle persuasion, like the version but with my doc supervising. I had heard the horror stories of painful version and am glad that i had a good doc that understood.
With my second child coming three months early(water broke with no diagnosis as to why) and a different doctor they offered me the option of waiting till i couldn't any more and going for a c-section. I knew that she was small enough and performed my own version at my own comfort level. Try going for a second opinion if you want to try any other techniques.

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A.K.

answers from Milwaukee on

i've not had to try it, but I used to work at a clinic where they did acupuncture and learned that acupuncture is really successful at turning a breach baby. You should look into it. I think it's a one time thing too.
good luck!
A.

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L.H.

answers from Milwaukee on

I would say the baby still has several weeks to be able to turn itself before you should eally start to worry.

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H.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

Your situation is EXACTLY like mine was, same time frame as well, and it was a boy!! I tried to have the baby turned because I didn`t want a c-section, my first was a v**inal delivery also...it didn`t work and was VERY painful!! I wouldn`t recomend trying to turn the baby. It is possible the baby could still turn from now to delivery..not likely but possible.. I guess after trying and knowing what can happen and the pain of it, I`d wouldn`t try it again. All that really matters is that your baby is born healthy. I absolutly hating the thought of having a c-section and I hating it when it actually happened, but my baby was perfect when he came out and that`s when I realized it didn`t matter anymore! Good luck with whatever you choose and I will pray for a happy healthy baby for you!!

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A.H.

answers from Waterloo on

The chiropractic technique mentioned in the response above is called the wester technique. It has a 90% success rate. I would definitely try that first and then go for the external version. Either way, I would try any method necessary rather than going for the c-section. You are obviously a person who becomes very informed, so you know there are a million other risks to both you and your baby in that situation. There is also an eastern technique that an acupuncturist may be able to assist with. If all else fails find a new doctor who is experienced with delivering breech babies (there are many out there) and hire a doula to assist you in birth and/or going through the techniques. Good luck!

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S.C.

answers from Omaha on

We are in this same situation right now always but I am 37 weeks along. My doctor will not perform a version until I am 39 weeks because if it works, he will want to induce me right away. He will do this instead of trying now so baby will not turn back to being breech. The one thing my doctor said for my version (scheduled for the 14th) is that he is a firm believer that baby will turn easily or not at all. He will only try for 5-10 minutes, he is not one that will try for a very long time. His success right is more around 60% so I am being hopeful that it will work if baby does not turn before hand. If it does not work, then we will have a c-section on the 14th.

We have also been doing a lot of the techniques that people say to try to turn baby - get your butt up in the air to try and get gravity to help, if you have access to a pool do some somersaults, peppermint oil on your stomach by baby's head - this really got baby moving but not head down, finding a chiropractor who does the Webster technique - I went to my chiropractor 5-6 times and baby was not moving and it was getting expensive so I stopped, pelvic tilts, etc. One friend slept on the same side every night and just changing sides helped her babe go head down.

I didn't read the responses you already received because I know many will say to not try a version but I am very comfortable with what my doctor has said. I want to try to stay away from a c-section because of our extremely active 2 1/2 year old and how long it takes to recuperate. Ask your doctor a lot of questions and don't listen to all the horror stories that are out there. Vaginal births and c-sections have horror stories too. I think it more depends on the doctor you have and how far you want to try. Think positively and talk to the baby about turning. We are all about positive words.

Good luck and enjoy your new baby boy in May!!

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J.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

A scheduled c-section is a great experience. I had my second one scheduled and it was wonderful. No stress, no contractions, you get pampered the whole time because you just had a surgery. I used pain meds for 5 days and just advil after that. If you are worried about a c-section don't, if you are worried about a scar, my scar is a little white line so far below my low rise undies it is my trophy for having my kids.
I have heard that turning a baby is horrible and traumatic.

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A.B.

answers from Fargo on

Hi, S.! Congratulations on your second little one!

My first child (girl) was breech, too. I was 36 weeks when my midwife determined she was and sent me to an OB. He was very successful at turning babies and did many, many times with his own children. We scheduled the version when I was 39 weeks. I will also preface this by saying that I was hardly showing. Her head was right up under my ribcage.Mine was unsuccessful and very painful. I would not do it again. She was in a "V" position so there was no way I could have her v**inally, so we had a C-section after my water broke about 5 days after the version. I like to joke that she wanted a perfectly round head! :) Since then, I have gone on to have 2 successful VBACs - 1 with an epidural and the 2nd without any pain meds.
I would recommend waiting with the version because there is still the risk of the baby turning back to breech. Check into all the other options of turning baby and try those before you try a version.

Let us know how it goes and update us on the baby! :)

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R.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

You've received a lot of responses, but I thought I'd throw mine in as well. I was committed to having a v**inal delivery, if possible. I'd had four ovarian cysts removed before laprascopy was available, so it was a C-section-like procedure, and I didn't want to go through it again if I could help it (I'm not that great at being a patient). My baby was also breech, which we discovered about a month before my due date. We tried chiropractic and acupuncture treatments as well as laying on an ironing board upside down. We then tried three different versions, the last of which was successful. The first version was done by a midwife with no meds, but they did monitor heartrate. It lasted about an hour, was unsuccesful and was very painful. The second was done in a hospital, and I was given a spinal tap. My blood pressure bottomed out, and my baby's heartrate was racing, so they stopped the procedure. Frankly, I felt like I'd been through the ringer with that one, and it didn't work. I consulted a seasoned doctor (Dr. Grande in St Paul) to see if I was a candidate for v**inal breech delivery--he said it would be too risky in my case/circumstance. But he offered to try one more version. He was kind and gentle, and I was really relaxed (which I think made all the difference). The last version was four days before my due date. He didn't give me drugs--just put his hands on my belly and turned my daughter in less than 15 minutes. It wasn't painful either. My water broke right away, and I had my daughter naturally 7 hours later. I don't think it makes sense to do a version too early, in case you go into labor. I would personally try the same doctor again if I had to do it over again, and I also would try not to stress about it. How comfortable you are with the doctor/midwife makes a big difference. I think the version was successful because I was more relaxed. Plus, enjoy your last month of pregnancy as much as you can--you'll be sleep deprived soon enough! All the best to you!

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B.F.

answers from Duluth on

Hi! I have not got any experience with Breech babies, but my last birth I used Hypnobabies, and they have a free, online yahoo group where this comes up frequently. You could ask questions there. They are very pro v**inal birth if it is not an emergency situation, and they have many ideas for helping turn babies! Sending happy birthing hopes your way! Turn baby, turn!

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M.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I am first going to say that I may step on some toes, and if someone is easily offended, don't continue reading.

Second, I am going to say: What breech position is baby in? There are 4 different breech positions, and only one of them is undeliverable through the v**ina. There is: both feet down (think yoga mountain pose); one foot down, one up by the head; the third is something like shoulder/ arm down; and the fourth that is undeliverable is butt down basically in pike position with both feet by the head. I'm guessing you have a western medical doctor for your care. Check to see if there is a midwife in the group and maybe get an appointment with the two of them together to discuss your care plan. MD aren't necessarily trained in delivering any type of breech baby, midwifes are.

Also, choosing to do a c-section without even trying to attempt a v**inal delivery, what if the version is successful, you would never know. I hear versions are painful, but I would rather try that and deliver urgently than not try at all.

Ask questions, don't be afraid to ask the tough questions. Western MD's are trained to fix a problem, not assist in a natural labor the way God intended. Be descerning to the MD's suggestion as to if it's beneficial to you, or to them. A study a few years back reported that c-sections went up a staggering amount on Friday late afternoons and on Saturdays. Not because the mom was in trouble or the baby, but because the MD's didn't want work to impede on their weekend plans.

Good luck!

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L.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

My first child turned breech right near the end of my pregnancy, and I did end up doing the version. It was not successful, and we ended up scheduling the c-section for 3 days later. The very next afternoon my water broke, and ended up having an emergency c-section because baby was still breech. Even if the version is successful, there is a chance that the baby can still flip back to breech on its own. The version is very painful, but it's nothing like the pain you'll feel after having a c-section. Lucky for me, I was able to deliver v**inally with my second baby girl. It's definitely NOT an easy choice, but in my opinion...if there is a chance that you could spare yourself a c-section, I'd take a shot at the version. Good luck, and congrats when your baby boy arrives!

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R.N.

answers from St. Cloud on

the best way to turn a breech baby is to crawl around on your hands and knees for a 1/2 hour a day. When #4 was breech at 36 weeks I scrubbed the kitchen floor every night. He finally turned around 38 weeks. I think your doctor is pushing too early to do something. Most babies will turn on their own before labor.

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E.M.

answers from Des Moines on

My sister was 38 weeks then her son turned and no one showed any concern that he hadn't turned before then though it was painful for her while he turned he did on his own a full week before he was born. If it was me i would wait to see what the baby does on his own time. Good luck!

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K.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi S.-
My 2nd son was also breech- I tried everything "natural" to get him to turn which included; setting an iron board against a bed/couch and lay with knees up, feet toward bed for 10 min, 3x a day, chiroprator's can help, doing headstands in the water. Look online, there are many options. I was scheduled for an inversion at 37 wks. I have not heard many doctor's doing it before full term because many babies turn at the last minute and it can cause labor. I would schedule the inversion, if it is uncompfortable during the process you can always stop it!

My son did get his head into position the day we scheduled the inversion and he was born that morning.

Good luck- it is stressful, but remember most babies do turn, some just need a little help!

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L.G.

answers from Milwaukee on

if your doc is willing to try a version theres no reason to believe you can turn this baby on your own! check out www.spinningbabies.com theres all sorts of helpful info on there! consider than you want to get baby out of your pelvis and readjust so the heaviness of baby(head and spine) works with gravity. so getting those hips up in the air....thats the idea! good luck!

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H.N.

answers from Cedar Rapids on

My second baby was also breech. I was two weeks away from my due date. I did have the procedure External cephalic version (ECV), although this was done by my doctor, and performed in the hospital incase of emergancies.

I did the research also and really didn't want a c-section. I weighed my options and chose the procedure for these reasons, it was second baby (can be easier turning the baby), it was close to my due date, and my baby was healthy. However I only had two years between first and second baby.

When the ECV was perofrmed it is very painful, the pressure is immense, but her breech position had her head basically right under my ribs and trying to put on shoes or bend for other reasons was painful. I don't know how long it is supposed to take but monitouring was performed before the procedure, then I was given a drug to relax the uterus (same drug given to pre-term mommies to stop contractions), then the procedure was done, then monitouring. When the doctor started turning they put their hands on the belly kind of push deep into the skin and basically like lifting the baby and turning it from the outside. The pressure was very intense but it was only like a minute or two and she popped into place. Once she turned the pressure from her breech position was like a big release. So for me I had a succesful ECV.

Four days later I delivered naturally and no complications.

I do realize this doesn't work for many people but looking at the optins I had good chances of it working.

What ever you decide I hope all goes well.

I also went on to have a third baby, 15 months later and no problems, and not breach.

A little about me: mommy to three girls, 4 1/2, 2, and 1. married for 8 1/2 years together for 13 1/2.

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C.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

My son was lying horizontal in my womb until late in my pregnancy. My Nurse Practitioner sent me to the Spinning Babies website for help. They have different exercises you can do to coax your baby into the right position. I did the one where you kneel on a step and then reach down to a lower step--with my husband standing by, of course! I never felt anything funny, but at my next appt., a quick ultrasound showed he had turned!

I have also heard people having great results with a chiropractic adjustment. I see a great chiropractor in St. Paul that specializes in pregnant women, babies, and children. Let me know if you want more info. Good luck!

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A.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

I was in the same position, and I decided not to do the procedure. It just seemed like too many risks and not a high success rate. As it turned out, my baby turned on her own about a week before she was due. She had been breached the entire pregnancy, but I guess she figured out it was time to go!

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H.L.

answers from Milwaukee on

My son was breech until 37 weeks. He turned around the morning of the day I was going to go in to schedule a version attempt (which I had decided to try - I didn't think the risks seemed too great, and doing it past 37 weeks the baby would have been full term - I had also heard some people saying it was painful and some saying it wasn't). I did the "standing on your hands and knees", but laying on your back with your feet up was very uncomfortable, so I didn't do that very much. When my baby turned, he just all of a sudden turned (I was standing up at the time) - I had a lot of amniotic fluid, and I think he just didn't see the need to get head first until late.

SO, after all that, I guess my advice would be to wait a couple more weeks, and if the baby is still breech do the version attempt then. You can certainly try alternative medicine in the meantime!

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K.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

I apologize if this has already been mentioned but have you looked into "optimal fetal positioning"? You can go to spinningbabies.com for more information, you can also google "optimal fetal positioning for more websites that offer info. It has to do with different exercises and sitting in various positions that allow the baby a little more room to move. I agree, 36 weeks a little early to be thinking he/she won't be turning before your 40th week. I also agree with looking into chiropractic. I had sciatica in my 2nd trimester so ended up with chiropractic care until I was due and I have a 10 pound baby come out perfectly positioned, which I totally credit to the chiropractic.
I did have a cephalic version done to my second twin who flipped breech when her twin sister came out. It is horribly painful and it didn't work, that was just my experience.
K. H.

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A.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

HI S..
I am a mom of 4 boys. My 3rd and 4th were breech most of my pregnancy. at 38 weeks with my 3rd I went in to the hospital w/ high blood pressure and the dr was going to do the version or proceed with the c/s, I had to decide before I got to the hospital. When we got there baby was head down. I had been into the dr the day before and he was breech!
With my 4th, they did the version at 37 weeks. Not painful for me at all. 4 days before my due date I was in the hospital with contractions. Ultrasound showed baby was sitting cockeyed, kind of head down but not really. I walked for a while and they did ultrasound again. He was doing flips in me! Since he was moving so easily we oped to do the version again. This time it was more painful but only because I had, as I call her, "Helga the nurse from hell" push on my stomach WAY harder than the Dr was. They got him head down and broke my water so he couldn't flip around again. V-delivery, cord was wrapped around him but no complications from it.
So there are my stories. Good luck with everything.

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N.R.

answers from Des Moines on

It is not unusual for a baby to be breech at any time during the pregnancy, even into the last week before labor begins. I had the same problem and when I had the last visit less than a week before I went into labor (normal term) the baby had turned into the head down position. I'd wait as long as possible before stressing yourself and the baby, and if necessary, it would be less stressful on the baby if you had a C-section.

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C.S.

answers from Grand Forks on

When I was in labor, my midwife had to turn my baby a little (I gave birth at home, it was amazing). She did it by getting warm wet washcloths (say 110 degrees, not HOT but not lukewarm) and placing them on my belly.

The baby moved toward the warmth, and then she would reposition the washcloth/get a fresh warm one in a slightly different place and the baby would again turn toward it. My midwife (Rebekah) and her mom/Doula were a great team, and know a lot of biofeedback (or whatever you call it) techniques.

If you want to email her/them, their address is ____@____.com can tell her Chassidy referred you :) She might have some good advice that won't put your lovie at risk. Blessings!!

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D.K.

answers from St. Cloud on

One of my babies was turned this way. I was planning a home birth with a midwife with a lot of experience. She advised I try getting down on the floor on my hands and knees and rocking back and forth to see if the baby would turn; otherwise, I may have to go to the hospital for the birth. I did this for a week or two between visits, praying and singing and the baby turned the right way! I do not understand all of the anatomical whys and wherefores; I only knew that it was a non-invasive way to try before looking at other alternatives. I figured I had nothing to lose. If it worked, great; if not, we would visit an OB-GYN Doctor. I will say a prayer and sing a lullaby for you! :)

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S.S.

answers from Green Bay on

I was 39 1/2 wks with my first when she turned breech. We attempted a version, but she would only go transverse so we waited another week and then had the c-section. The version was a little uncomfortable, but there were no complications. As long as your doctor is experienced doing them and knows when to stop, I believe it is worth a try. I went on to have 2 VBAC's and will be doing the same with this pregnancy as well. So there is hope if you do need to have a c-section.

Good luck with everything.
S.

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S.G.

answers from Waterloo on

I have 5 boys. My first was breech up intill the last half hour. I had him 42 weeks and in the middle of a contraction he flipped.. Lucky I guess. At 36 weeks your baby can be born and survive my last 3 were born at 36 weeks and you could never tell they are so healthy. If every sign shows your baby is healthy and would survive I would definetly let them flip it. The experience of having your baby is so wounderful I couldnt imagine never experiencing it because of a c section

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B.B.

answers from Davenport on

All three of my babies were breech and c-sections. I didn't even go for the attempted turn around because of the possible complications, plus it's supposed to hurt like hell. I've seen some where the mom gets a spinal to block some of the pain, but for the most part it's still a really uncomfortable experience. C-sections aren't a walk in the park, but you miss out on labor so I guess you have to weigh the pros and cons ;)It's really what you want to put your body and the baby through. Personally, I'd go with the c-section, but I am a vet with them by now. Good luck and go with you instincts. :)

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