What are the dangers of turning a breech baby?
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The most common risk with an external cephalic version is a temporary change in your baby’s heart rate, which occurs in about 5 percent of cases. Serious complications are extremely rare but can include the need for emergency C-section, vaginal bleeding, loss of amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord prolapse.
When should you worry about a breech baby?
We expect babies to turn head down by 28-32 weeks. Breech may not be an issue until 32-34 weeks. If you know your womb has an unusual limitation in shape or size, such as a bicornate uterus then begin body balancing before pregnancy and once 15 weeks in pregnancy.
Does turning a breech baby hurt?
To turn your baby, your doctor will use firm pressure. Everyone reacts differently, so you might feel discomfort or pain. Many women go through an ECV without any painkillers. But your doctor may give you an epidural or other pain medication or even put you to sleep during the procedure.
Do breech babies have abnormalities?
A baby who is breech may be very small or may have birth defects. Because the head is delivered last, breech babies are also susceptible to umbilical cord compression and asphyxiation. When the umbilical cord becomes compressed, there is diminished oxygen flow to the baby.
Why may a doctor do a planned C section?
Doctors will perform a cesarean when the low-lying placenta partially or completely covers the cervix (placenta previa). A cesarean is also necessary when the placenta separates from the uterine lining, causing the baby to lose oxygen (placenta abruption).
What are the risks of breech births?
When your baby is in a breech position, there is always a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with shunted muscular growth and spinal deformities. Even when there are no evident birth defects, there may still be certain complications you may have to experience when your baby is in a breech position.
Can a breech baby change the position?
The baby cannot change a breech position because of the placenta being in the way. Uterine Abnormalities: Intrauterine adhesions, uterine septum, or fibroids are some of the most common uterine issues associated with your baby being in the breech position.
Can breech birth cause autism in babies?
When your baby is in a breech position, there are always chances of cord compression and cord prolapse. Both of these issues can interfere with the supply of oxygen to the baby, which in turn causes brain damage leading to issues, like autism and more.
What does it mean if my baby is breech?
It means the risk is small but it is very much possible to see your breech baby has a development abnormality. While most experts believe that a head-down position or vertex position is actually the first development milestone, it does not mean that breech baby birth defects will always occur.