There are times when women experience delivering a breech baby. However, most of the time babies are delivered head first which is the normal position but at times their feet is at the bottom. There are lots of babies who are in the breech position at the early stages of pregnancy but most often, they position themselves with their heads down especially at the later stages. Some babies who are born very early may be in this position. Sometimes there is too much amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. This may also cause the baby to take the breech position.
Pregnant women may also be delivering a breech baby if they have more than one baby in their uterus. Their doctors may be able to determine the position of their babies through physical examination especially when they are near their delivery period. Pregnant women may also undergo ultrasound in order for them to know the position of their babies before their expected date. Delivering a breech baby is usually done through caesarian section. However, there times when pregnant women can do it through vaginal delivery. Although this type of delivery is possible, pregnant women may be risking some complications.
A pregnant woman who will be delivering a breech baby needs to know the possible consequences. Vaginal delivery of a breech baby may cause injuries to the baby while on the delivery process and even after the delivery. These injuries may also cause some birth defects that the baby is likely to suffer. Vaginal delivery of a breech baby may cause the hip socket of the baby to be separated from his or her thighbone. The baby may also suffer from problems with his or her umbilical cord because it can be compressed during the process. This situation can cause some nerves and the brain to be damaged because oxygen cannot get through.
Most doctors would recommend delivering a breech baby through caesarian section. Pregnant women should also know that there are possible risks also in this kind of delivery. They may suffer from bleeding and infection. They also need to stay a little longer in the hospital. Pregnant women have to see their doctors regularly. Their doctors may be able to help them so that their babies go into the head down position for the birthing process. Some doctors may recommend special exercises for pregnant women to get their breech babies into their proper position.
Doctors may also help pregnant women to avoid delivering a breech baby by using the external cephalic version of turning the baby inside the uterus. This procedure may put the baby into the normal position of having its head down first. Experienced doctors may perform this procedure after determining its possibility. Pregnant women may undergo this process towards the last stages of pregnancy prior to delivery. This is usually done by the 37th month of pregnancy. Although this is possible, not all pregnant women with breech babies will be able to have their babies turned around. Pregnant women will have to consult with their doctors about their options in delivering a breech baby.
