Overview

At the end of most pregnancies, the baby's head is near the birth canal (vagina). But sometimes a baby's rear end or feet are near the birth canal. This position is called breech.

If your baby stays in this breech position, it’s important to talk about the different ways your baby may be delivered. You can then decide how you’d like to give birth.

Your doctor may try to turn your baby. To do this, the doctor presses on certain places on your belly. Sometimes this causes the baby to turn. The medical name for this process is external cephalic version.

During the process of trying to turn your baby, your doctor will carefully watch your uterus. There's a chance that the pressure and movement might start contractions. There's also a chance that the umbilical cord will twist or cause the baby’s heart rate to change.

If your baby turns to head down, your doctor may send you home. But the doctor will check you regularly until your labour starts. If your baby's head stays down, you can still choose how to deliver your baby (vaginally or cesarean) but there’s likely no medical reason to recommend cesarean section. A small number of babies move back into a breech position.

How is the procedure done?

• Your doctor may give you medicine to relax your uterus. Your doctor may give you medicine for pain and to help you relax.
• Your doctor will put their hands on your belly. One hand will be near the baby's head. The other hand will be near the baby's rear end. The doctor will push and roll the baby to try to get the head down.
• You may feel some pain. The doctor will ask you how you are doing and if you want to continue. If it is too painful you can ask them to stop.
• Your doctor will use a heart monitor to see how your baby is doing.
• After the process, your doctor will give you instructions for your care.