by Danelle Karth

Created on: February 03, 2009

Women have been having babies for millions of years. Over time medicine has increased the safety of childbirth so there are much fewer deaths, both of babies and of their mothers. Some of these babies born over the years have been breech babies and they have been delivered vaginally. So, can it still be done?

Diagnosing a Breech Baby-

A breech baby is one that has its bottom or its feet in position to be delivered first (rarely the knees will be presented first). There are four breech positions including the Frank Breech which is where the baby's bottom is pressed against the cirvix and the legs are flexed toward the head, this is the most common breech position effecting 65-70% of all breech babies. The second most common is the complete breech position where the baby's bottom is pressed against the cervix and its legs are bent in a cross legged position with its feet near the buttocks. The third most common is the Footling Breech where the baby has one or two feet in position to come first. The rarest is the Kneeling Breech where the baby has its legs are bent and the knees are pressed to the cervix.

A breech baby is usually diagnosed between 36 and 37 weeks. While it is still possible for the baby to turn around before delivery (even after labor has started). It is usually a sign of concern if it is in this position after 36 weeks. The diagnosis will come with an abdominal exam, an examination of the cervix, and usually an ultrasound to confirm.

Trying to Turn a Breech Baby-

Once the diagnosis has been made most doctors prefer to try and turn the baby into the correct position. If the baby ends up in the correct position before delivery a normal vaginal delivery would then take place. This is the ideal situation and there are a few options for trying to get the baby to turn. For more information on it see How to get a breech baby to turn before delivery.

Delivering a Breech Baby-

It is sometimes possible to deliver a breech baby vaginally. Ideally the baby would be full term and in a Frank Breech or Complete Breech position. These positions are such that the hips of the baby open the birth canal and vagina enough for the head to make their way through with less risk.

There are few doctors who will deliver a breech baby on purpose and it is more likely that it happens because there is no time to do otherwise. Most doctors prefer to do a Cesarean Section because it has less risk to the baby (though research shows that there is a slightly higher risk to the mother

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