Breech Birth
WHAT IS A BREECH BIRTH?
A breech birth is when a baby is born with the buttocks or the feet first. Most babies are in a head down (vertex) position when they are born. There are three types of breech babies:
• When the baby’s buttocks are showing first in the birth canal (vagina) with the legs straight up and the feet at the baby’s head (frank breech).
• When the baby’s buttocks shows first with the legs bent at the knees and the feet down near the buttocks (complete breech).
• When one or both of the baby’s feet are down below the buttocks (footling breech).
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A BREECH BIRCH?
Having a breech birth increases the risk to your baby. A breech birth may cause:
• Umbilical cord prolapse. This is when the umbilical cord is in front of the baby before or during labor. This can cause the cord to become pinched or compressed. This can reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby.
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• Injury to the nerves in the shoulder, arm, and hand (brachial plexus injury) when delivered.
• Your baby to be born too early (prematurely).
• An increased need for a cesarean delivery.
WHAT INCREASES THE RISK OF HAVING A BREECH BABY?
It is not known what causes your baby to be breech. However, risk factors that may increase your chances of having a breech baby include the mother:
• Having had several babies already.
• Having twins or more.
• Having a baby with certain congenital disabilities.
• Going into labor early.
• Having problems with her uterus, such as a