A breech pregnancy is a condition when the head of the fetus is in the upper uterus, rather than in the lower uterus near the birth canal. If this fetal position persists until close to the time of birth, pregnant women need to consult a doctor to determine a safe method of delivery.
When the womb is 32-36 weeks, the fetus is usually in a position ready to be born, namely the head at the bottom of the uterus towards the birth canal. However, sometimes the position of the fetal head is still in the upper uterus even though it is approaching the time of delivery.
Based on the position of the fetus in the womb, breech pregnancies are divided into 3 types, namely:
- Frank Breech, which is a breech position where the legs of the fetus are straight up towards the head and the body is folded like the letter V.
- Footling Breech, which is a breech position with one leg crossed or close to the head, while the other leg is pointing down with the knee bent. This leg will come out first if you have a normal delivery.
- Complete Breech, i.e. both knees of the fetus are flexed.
If you have a breech pregnancy, pregnant women may wonder if there is an event to rotate the fetus or should you give birth by caesarean section. Come on, see the explanation below.
All About Pregnant Breech
Here are some things pregnant women need to know about breech pregnancies:
1. Signs of breech pregnancy that can be felt
A breech pregnancy can be detected through an ultrasound examination or a vaginal examination by a gynecologist. However, pregnant women can also feel whether the fetus in the womb is in a breech position or not.
If the fetus is in a breech position, pregnant women may feel short of breath. The lower part of the pregnant woman's ribs may feel uncomfortable. This condition occurs because the fetal head presses under the diaphragm.
In addition, pregnant women may also be able to feel a kick in the bladder or lower abdomen.
2. Causes of breech pregnancy
The cause of breech pregnancy is still not clearly known. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of a breech pregnancy, namely:
- Twin pregnancy
- History of preterm delivery or previous breech pregnancy
- Amniotic fluid too much or too little
- Abnormal shape of the uterus or there is a benign tumor in the uterus
- Placenta previa
3. Changes in the position of the breech fetus
The position of the breech fetus often occurs when the gestational age is below 35 weeks and this position can change by itself.
However, after the gestational age reaches 35 weeks, the fetus will increase in size, making it difficult for him to move to a normal position. If the breech position persists until the 37th week of pregnancy, it is likely that the fetus will remain in that position.
If the pregnancy is still 32-36 weeks old, there are various methods that can be done to change the position of the breech fetus to normal, namely:
Natural method
Although natural, this method has not been scientifically proven to be effective in returning the breech fetus to a normal position. Some natural methods that can be done are:
- Lift the hips and pelvis in a supine position for 10–20 minutes, 3 times a day
- Playing music to the fetus
- Give a cold compress on the upper abdomen and a warm compress on the lower abdomen
Acupuncture is also believed to help relax the uterus and stimulate fetal movement. However, you need to consult a doctor before trying acupuncture while pregnant.
Method external cephalic version (ECV)
EVC should only be performed when the fetus is in a breech position after 37 weeks of gestation. This technique is performed by the doctor by moving his hands on the pregnant woman's abdomen to change the position of the fetus.
However, this method is not always effective. Even if successful, the possibility of the position of the fetus to return to the breech can still occur. In addition, the ECV method can also pose several risks, such as premature rupture of membranes, stimulating labor, and bleeding in the uterus.
4. Complications of breech pregnancy
In general, breech pregnancy is not a dangerous condition until it is time for delivery. If the breech fetus is still delivered vaginally, the fetus will be at risk of birth injury.
Normal labor to deliver a breech baby can also last longer, leaving the mother exhausted. This prolonged labor can also increase the risk of fetal distress.
5. The method of delivery for mothers who are pregnant breech
If the position of the fetus can change to its normal position, then a normal vaginal delivery may be possible. Certain breech positions may still be born normally, but most breech fetuses will be delivered by caesarean section.
Cesarean delivery is considered safer than normal delivery because it has a lower risk of causing complications. Even so, caesarean section is still at risk of causing complications in the form of bleeding and infection, as well as making the mother and baby need to be treated at home longer.
If pregnant women experience a breech pregnancy, try not to panic and continue to regularly check with the doctor. That way, doctors can monitor the condition of the fetus and plan the safest delivery method for pregnant women and their fetuses.