What Is A Breech Position?

During pregnancy, the fetus is able to move around without trouble, since there is a lot of room in the uterus. Once pregnancy progresses to the latter stages, there is less and less room in the uterus for the baby to move around.

Near the end of pregnancy, most babies are in the head-down position - which is ideal and safe for a vaginal birth.

Sometimes the baby will be bum-down, which is called the breech position. In this case, the baby may have to be delivered via c-section .

Your doctor or midwife will be able to determine if your baby is headed this way by feeling your upper and lower abdomen. An ultrasound will be able to prove this.

If your baby is in bum-down, you may be able to get the baby to turn to head-down position before labor starts. An "external cephalic version" may be performed, which can get the baby to turn.

If the baby does not turn head-down before labor starts, a c-section may be required, which is a much safer alternative.

The safety of your baby (and you!) is first and foremost!