Introduction
If the baby is positioned down when the feet or buttocks are facing downwards, it is called a breech baby. Before the delivery, the baby needs to turn for ease. The turning of a breech baby can be done with the help of changing the sleeping position.
What Is a Breech Baby?
Ideally, during vaginal birth or delivery, the head of the baby should be positioned down in the uterus. This head-first position is the safest for giving birth, and it is called vertex presentation. A breech baby will be positioned by the bottom or feet first in the uterus near the vagina. It is commonly seen in early pregnancy cases. Most breech babies will position their heads first by the end of 36 weeks. Some of these breech babies can be born vaginally, but in some cases, a C-section or cesarean is usually recommended. It is seen in three to four percent of pregnancy cases.
Which Are the Types of Breech Positions?
Breech positions can be of different types. Some of the breech positions include the following:
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Frank Breech - The back of the baby is towards the vaginal canal. The legs of the baby will be sticking up in front of the body, and the feet can be near the head of the baby.
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Complete Breech - The back of the baby will be pointing downwards, and the knees and hips are folded under themselves.
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Footling Breech - One or both the feet of the baby will be pointing downwards, and the feet will be the first part to deliver before the rest of the body.
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Transverse Lie - The baby in a transverse lie will be positioned horizontally instead of vertically in the uterus. This will make the shoulder region deliver first through the vagina.
Which Is the Best Maternal Sleeping Position?
During pregnancy, the stomach will grow, and the ideal position to sleep is lying on one side. Sleeping on the belly or on the back should be avoided during the final weeks of pregnancy as it can cause compression of the blood vessel which will result in the delivery of less oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Lying on the left side during resting and sleeping is ideal during the final months of pregnancy. This will increase the blood flow to the heart and also to the baby from the inferior vena cava, which is a large vein. Sleeping on the left side allows adequate blood flow as it decreases the risk of compression of the vein. Sleeping on the right side is also considered to be safe. Sleeping on one of the sides with pillows between the legs can help in creating more space for the baby to move or change position.
Why Is Sleeping on the Left Side of the Body Considered the Best Sleeping Position for the Pregnant Mother?
Sleeping on the left side is considered best for pregnant women because of the following reasons:
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Increase Blood Circulation - Sleeping on the left side will help in increasing blood circulation to the placenta and also to the fetus. This will help in getting an adequate amount of oxygen and nutrients to the baby for growth.
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Decreasing Pressure on the Internal Organs - Sleeping on the left side of the body can help in reducing pressure from the internal organs like the kidney and liver, which are present on the right side of the body. This will help in improving digestion and also help in reducing swelling.
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Reduce Pressure on Uterus - Sleeping on the left side of the body can help in reducing the pressure from the uterus which helps in preventing contractions.
Which Is the Sleeping Position That Helps the Breech Baby to Turn?
Position when the pelvic region is elevated than the head can make the baby turn around. There are some sleeping positions that will help the breech baby to turn. They include the following:
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The Pelvic Tilt - Lie down on the floor in a supine position by keeping the knees bent and the feet flat on the bed or floor. Keep a pillow under the hips and tilt the pelvic region upwards. This will create an adequate amount of space for the baby to move around and can help the baby to turn the position from the breech to the head first position.
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The Knee to Chest Position - Lie down on the floor in a supine position by bending the knees and keeping the feet flat on the bed. Bring one knee close to the chest and hold in that position for some time. Then switch the legs. Keep the knees close to the chest. This knee-to-chest position will help in creating space for the baby to move around and also help in turning the breech baby.
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Forward Leaning Inversion - For doing forward leaning inversion start from the table to position by keeping both the hands and knees on the floor. Slowly lower the elbows to the ground. Bring the head and shoulders close to the floor and keep the hip and pelvic region elevated from the head. This position will encourage the baby to move and turn, with the help of gravity.
How Is Breech Baby Turned to Head First Position?
If the baby is more than 36 weeks older, then the external cephalic version or ECV is used to turn the fetus to keep the head downwards towards the vagina. The external cephalic version is done by doctors using their hands. They apply pressure to the stomach and roll the baby to the head first position. This will increase the chance of vaginal birth. Sometimes ECV results in preterm labor or placental abruption.
Conclusion
Changing the sleeping position of the mother can help in encouraging the breech baby to turn the head down before delivery. Knee pelvic tilt is some of the sleeping positions which will help in creating space for the baby to move. These positions will encourage the baby to turn. However, always consult a doctor before considering any technique for the breech baby to turn to ensure everything is normal and going smoothly.
