Breech Baby At 39 Weeks Chances Of Turning
As the due date draws near, expectant mothers eagerly wait to meet their precious bundle of joy. However, some babies may be in a breech position, which means their head is up and their bottom is down. This can cause concern for the mother and the healthcare provider. In this article, we will discuss the chances of a breech baby turning at 39 weeks and what can be done to help turn the baby.
What is a breech position?
A breech position occurs when the baby is positioned with their bottom facing down, and their head is up. This is the opposite of the normal head-down position which is ideal for a vaginal delivery. There are different types of breech positions, such as complete breech, frank breech, and footling breech. The healthcare provider can determine the type of breech position through an ultrasound.
What are the chances of a breech baby turning at 39 weeks?
At 39 weeks, most babies have already turned into the head-down position. However, for breech babies, the chances of turning decrease as the due date approaches. Studies suggest that at 37 weeks, about 25% of breech babies will turn spontaneously. By 40 weeks, only about 10% of breech babies will turn on their own.
What can be done to help turn a breech baby?
There are different techniques that can be used to help turn a breech baby. Some of these include:
- External cephalic version (ECV): This is a procedure where the healthcare provider uses their hands to apply pressure on the mother's abdomen to turn the baby into a head-down position. This is usually done after 37 weeks.
- Acupuncture: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help turn a breech baby.
- Moxibustion: This is a traditional Chinese medicine technique where a herb called mugwort is burned near the mother's pinky toes. Some studies suggest that moxibustion may help turn a breech baby.
- Chiropractic care: A chiropractor can perform the Webster technique which involves aligning the pelvis to help the baby turn.
When is a C-section recommended for a breech baby?
A vaginal delivery is possible for a breech baby, but it depends on the type of breech position, the baby's size, and the mother's health. A healthcare provider may recommend a C-section if:
- The baby is in a footling breech position
- The baby is larger than average
- The mother has a small pelvis
- The mother has a medical condition that makes a vaginal delivery risky
Conclusion
A breech baby at 39 weeks has a lower chance of turning spontaneously but there are different techniques that can be used to help turn the baby. It is important to discuss the options with the healthcare provider and make an informed decision on the best way to deliver the baby safely.