Breech babies can kick in various positions, but commonly they may kick towards the mother’s upper abdomen or ribcage due to their reversed position in the womb.
Where do breech babies kick?
Breech babies, who are positioned with their buttocks or feet downwards in the womb instead of the typical head-down position, can exhibit a range of kicking patterns. While there is no fixed location where all breech babies kick, it is common for them to kick towards the mother’s upper abdomen or ribcage due to their reversed position.
In the words of American obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Bradley Holbrook, “Breech babies can be quite active and their kicks may be felt higher up in the mother’s abdomen compared to babies in the head-down position.”
Here are some interesting facts related to breech pregnancies:
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Types of breech presentation: Breech presentations can be classified into three main types – complete, frank, and footling. In a complete breech, the baby sits with both knees flexed. In a frank breech, the baby’s hips are flexed while the knees are extended. In a footling breech, one or both feet are positioned to emerge first.
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Incidence and timing: Breech presentations occur in approximately 3-4% of full-term pregnancies. However, as pregnancy progresses, the majority of babies will naturally turn head-down by around the 32nd to 34th week. If a baby remains in a breech position close to the due date, medical interventions or techniques like external cephalic version (ECV) may be considered.
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Factors influencing breech presentation: Multiple factors can contribute to a breech presentation, including premature birth, uterine abnormalities, multiple pregnancies (such as twins or triplets), too little or too much amniotic fluid, placenta previa, or fetal abnormalities that restrict movement.
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Risks and delivery options: While vaginal delivery of a breech baby can sometimes be attempted, it is generally considered safer to deliver by cesarean section. Breech deliveries can pose risks such as umbilical cord compression, head entrapment, or birth injuries due to the delicate nature of delivering the baby’s head last.
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Techniques to encourage optimal positioning: Various techniques can be employed to encourage a breech baby to turn head-down. These include exercises like the “breech tilt,” where the mother lowers her hips while elevating her shoulders, or the “pelvic tilt” that involves positioning the hips higher than the head. Additionally, acupuncture, chiropractic care, or external manipulation under medical supervision may be attempted.
To provide a structured overview, here’s a table highlighting the types of breech presentations:
| Breech Presentation Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Complete | Both knees flexed |
| Frank | Hips flexed, knees extended |
| Footling | One or both feet positioned to emerge first |
Remember, if you suspect a breech presentation or have concerns about your baby’s movements during pregnancy, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance and to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.
Watch related video
This YouTube video discusses the signs of a breech baby, which is when the baby’s head is positioned at the top of the womb under the rib cage and their bottom or legs are at the bottom of the womb near the cervix. Signs of a breech baby include feeling a hard bulge at the top of the belly, the baby not engaging at the end of the third trimester, and lighter punching sensations above the navel. Other signs may include pressure on the lungs and rib cage, difficulty breathing deeply, and finding the baby’s heartbeat and hiccups in the upper part of the abdomen. The speaker suggests relaxation techniques and exercises to help the baby turn, as stress can prevent the baby from taking a head-down position. They also encourage viewers to ask questions and provide information about a free hypnobirthing taster session in the video description.
Found more answers on the internet
If your baby is in a breech position, you may notice their tiny baby feet moving and kicking in your lower belly. Or you may feel pressure under your ribcage from their head.
Lower belly
A breech baby is bottom-down instead of head-down in the womb. You might feel your baby kicking in your lower belly or the pressure of their head under your ribcage if they’re in breech position.
I’m sure you’ll be interested
Keeping this in consideration, Where do you feel the kick of a breech baby? Most breech babies are born healthy, although there is a slightly elevated risk for certain birth defects. Your baby’s movements may feel a little different. You will feel your baby’s kicks lower in your belly. You may feel a hard lump closer to your ribs.
Hereof, What does it feel like when a breech baby turns? Answer to this: You may or may not notice when the baby turns. You might be able to tell if the breech flips by feeling the feet kick where the head had been before. Usually, the strongest kicks are from the legs (not the arms) and will be high in the womb when the head is low.
What are the signs of a breech baby? The answer is: There are not usually symptoms associated with a breech baby. However, if you are 36 weeks pregnant and notice the baby’s head is pressing higher up in your abdomen or feel kicking in your lower abdomen, you may want to consult your doctor at your next appointment.
Besides, Is it harder to feel breech baby move? The reply will be: For instance, if the baby is lying with their spine against your spine (back-to-back), you are more likely to feel them kick than when your baby’s back is facing towards the front of the womb. However, if your baby is head down or bottom/feet down (breech), you’re unlikely to notice a difference.
When do babies breech?
In reply to that: Almost all babies are breech at some point. As your pregnancy progresses, your baby will naturally move to a head-down position — probably between 32 and 36 weeks. Your healthcare provider will feel your belly and determine where your baby is positioned.
Beside this, What breech position should a baby be in? Answer will be: Your baby on board could be in a number of different breech positions, such as the following: Frank breech: This is the most common breech position, with your baby’s bottom down, her hips flexed with legs pointing upward and her feet near her head — as if she were in "V" pike position.
What if my baby is a footling breech? Response: Your baby is a footling breech (one or both feet are below the bottom) Your breech baby has their head tilted back (hyperextension) You have any complications of pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia Your doctor may advise you to deliver by planned cesarean section at 39 weeks. By then, your baby’s lungs are mature.
In this way, Can a breech baby be delivered through the vagina?
As an answer to this: Your risks of developing complications are much higher if you try to deliver a breech baby through the vagina. However, some healthcare providers may feel comfortable performing a vaginal breech birth. How does labor start if your baby is breech?
Consequently, What is a breech baby? Footling breech: One or both of the baby’s feet point downward and will deliver before the rest of their body. Transverse lie: This is a form of breech presentation where your baby is positioned horizontally across your uterus instead of vertically. This would make their shoulder enter the vagina first. How does a breech baby affect pregnancy?
Furthermore, What breech position should a baby be in? Response to this: Your baby on board could be in a number of different breech positions, such as the following: Frank breech: This is the most common breech position, with your baby’s bottom down, her hips flexed with legs pointing upward and her feet near her head — as if she were in "V" pike position.
In this way, Should I Turn my Baby if he is breech?
If your baby is breech, your healthcare provider may consider turning your baby so that you can have a vaginal delivery. In some cases, trying to turn your baby may not be safe or the risks outweigh the benefits. Flipping your baby may not be safe if you have any of the following: Bleeding from your vagina. Placenta previa.
Also asked, Can a breech baby be delivered through the vagina?
Response to this: Your risks of developing complications are much higher if you try to deliver a breech baby through the vagina. However, some healthcare providers may feel comfortable performing a vaginal breech birth. How does labor start if your baby is breech?