3 The position of pregnant women to deal with breech babies

What if it is approaching the week of birth but the position of the baby in the womb is not ready, aka breech? Well, don't worry just yet. The position of the mother's body before delivery can be adjusted in such a way that the position of the baby turns into a head down. What are the good postures and postures for pregnant women to deal with breech babies? Check out the explanation below.

What is a breech position?

The breech position occurs when the baby who is approaching the day of birth is still in the position of the legs pointing toward the birth canal, or a horizontal position across the mother's womb. In a normal pregnancy, the baby before the day of his birth will automatically be in the womb with his head down to get ready to be born. This position is called the vertex position.

In general, breech pregnancies are treated by caesarean section. Because, with normal delivery there is a higher risk of the baby getting stuck in the birth canal and experiencing a cut off from the oxygen supply through the umbilical cord.

If the baby is breech position, the doctor will usually perform an external cephalic version (ECV). ECV is a way for doctors to manually manipulate position by hand. The doctor performs an ECV by applying firm but gentle pressure to your abdomen to encourage it to change its position in the uterus.

This procedure will be performed in a hospital with constant monitoring of the baby's heart rate and ultrasound to check its position. However, not all pregnant women end up dealing with breech babies with this method. Usually doctors will recommend this procedure done at 36-38 weeks of gestation.

Therefore, some women do various ways at home to deal with breech babies before birth, one of which is with certain body positions.

Position of pregnant women to deal with breech babies

Adjust the body position of pregnant women or postural managementis a technique for changing the position of the fetus from breech to vertex position by adjusting the position of pregnant women when lying or sitting. Posture management is done several times a day.

Actually, these techniques are still controversial, because this method has not been supported by scientific grounds that are proven to be effective in making the position of the baby to turn into a vertex. Research is still very much needed regarding this method.

Even so, reported by WebMD, these positions of the mother's body are considered a safe practice. However, you should still consult your doctor before trying any of these positions. Especially if you have special health conditions such as high blood pressure, or are injured, or are being treated in the hospital.

Various positions of the mother's body to deal with breech babies

These positions use earth's gravity to change the position of the baby's head towards the cervix (cervix). These positions are usually done for about 15 minutes and are repeated several times a day.

When doing this movement, it is best if the stomach and bladder are empty so that you are relaxed enough. Do not do this movement after eating or before urinating.

You also need help and supervision from those closest to you to do this position properly and safely. You may also feel dizzy when you wake up from these positions, so you may need someone else to help you get up or hold the position so you don't fall.

The position of the mother's body that can help with a breech baby in the womb are:

1. Breech tilt

Source: Spinningbabies.com

Lie on a hard board that is wide and strong enough, such as an ironing board. The board can be supported on a sofa or chair in the house that is sturdy and does not move easily. Support the board on the sofa, which is about 30.5 cm to 45.7 cm high. Then lie down on the board with your head down, and your feet on the top of the board.

Start by lying on the plank with your body stretched out, once in a secure position, bend your legs from straight to bending. The legs are bent with the soles of the feet on the board.

2. Sit with your knees bent to your chest

When sitting on a flat place, bend your knees against your chest, and your thighs against your stomach. Don't force your knees so much that they are completely against your chest, bend them as much as you can.

3. Open knee chest (menungging)

Source: Milescircuit.com

In addition to the sitting and lying positions,open knee chestor menungging is often done to overcome breech babies.

Start with your chest toward the floor, knees should be flat against the floor. Next move your shoulders and hands forward, knees still in place. It's a good idea to tuck a thin pillow under your chest. Your husband or companion in the back helps support the weight with a strong cloth.

Try to position the right and left knees apart, not sticking together. Hold this position for approximately 15-30 minutes.