Why Do Babies Become Breech? There's No One Reason

The many questions that flooded your mind during the beginning of your pregnancy probably don't stop as you progress in the process. With labor and recovery looming overhead, it's normal to be nervous and wonder how the process will go for you. Like most moms, you might worry that your baby will be breech, or maybe you've already found out that your's is, and you want some more info. Although not much is known about why babies become breech, there is lots of information available about the safest way to deliver a breech baby and what you should do during your pregnancy to ensure your baby is as safe and happy as possible.

According to American Pregnancy Association, about one in 25 babies are born breech, which, as defined by the Medical Dictionary, simply means that instead of the head being down in your uterus, the baby's head is up and its feet are facing down. There are three types of breech positions, according to the APA, but the primary concern is that the baby's head isn't facing down, creating the potential for injury or difficulty in delivery.

According to Family Doctor, even though it's possible to deliver a breech baby vaginally, the most common practice is to delivery via Cesarean (though the decision is ultimately up to you and your health care provider.) The site also noted that the main dangers of a breech vaginal birth are injury to the baby's hip socket and thigh bone or interference with the umbilical cord.

Though the causes of breech birth are largely unknown, experts speculate about the reasons behind it. According to American Pregnancy, breech births are more common in pregnancies of multiples, when there is risk of premature birth, if your uterus has too little or too much amniotic fluid, or if the mother has an abnormally shaped uterus.

Though there are ways you can try to get your baby to turn on your own, according to Fit Pregnancy, sometimes your doctor may decide to try and turn the baby externally. Otherwise, there are different labor positions, or techniques you can use that may turn your baby naturally.

Although the thought of delivering a breech baby can be unnerving, remember that it's a fairly common practice and your health care provider will work to ensure that your baby is as safe and healthy as possible.