Breech deliveries carry a risk of more complications than a vaginal delivery. So, due caution must be exercised during breech deliveries.
The breech pregnancies are not dangerous until it’s time for the baby to be born. In the breech presentation, the baby’s feet or bottom is located at the opening of the uterus instead of the baby’s head. The head is the largest part of the baby that must fit through the birth canal. During a normal head-first delivery, there is a time during labor for the baby's head to slowly shape itself so that it can pass through the birth canal more easily. When the baby is in a breech position, the baby's bottom is the first to go through the birth canal. Once the bottom has been delivered, the baby’s belly, chest, arms, and head follow quickly. This does not allow enough time for the baby's head to shape itself to fit through the cervix (opening to the birth canal) and then through the birth canal. The cervix may close around the baby's neck and the baby’s head gets stuck inside the uterus. This eventually leads to the injury or death of the baby. In most cases, a planned cesarean delivery is the safest option for the baby when the fetus is still in a breech position near the due date.
There are several risks associated with breech presentation in both vaginal and cesarean births:
- Cord prolapse: Umbilical cord is squeezed as the baby moves down the birth canal. The squeezing of the cord slows down the supply of oxygen and blood to the baby.
- Movement: Baby may not move as easily through the birth canal, which can require the use of forceps or other tools.
The different types of breech presentations include:
- Frank breech: The baby’s bottom is down, and the legs are pointing up and near the head. This is the most common type of breech presentation.
- Footling breech: The baby is head up and has one or both of their legs hanging down.
- Transverse breech: The baby is lying horizontally in the uterus.
- Complete breech: The head is up, the bottom is down, and the legs are crossed.
- Oblique breech: The baby’s head is down but is pointed towards one of the mother’s hips.
What are the causes of breech delivery?
The most common causes of breech delivery include:
- The mother may have an abnormally shaped uterus
- Pregnancy is less than 37 weeks along
- They are part of multiple births (two or more babies)
- Too much amniotic fluid
- Not enough amniotic fluid
- Multipara (the woman has been pregnant before)
- Presence of uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids
- The placenta is covering either a part of or all the uterine opening (placenta previa)
What is the external cephalic version (ECV)?
A doctor may try to turn the baby into a head-first position using a procedure called an external cephalic version (ECV). During this procedure, the doctor may put pressure on specific parts of the bump to encourage the baby to move around in the womb. An ECV can be done from 36 weeks onward until early labor if the water has not yet broken. It is successful for some women. If successful, the mother will be less likely to need a cesarean delivery or other medical assistance during labor.
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Braxton Hicks Contractions (False Labor)
Braxton hicks contractions are also known as false labor pains. Though these irregular uterine contractions may occur in the second trimester, they're more likely to occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. Unlike true labor pains, false labor pains are often irregular, may stop when you walk, rest, or change positions, and the contractions do not get closer together or stronger.
Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor: How to Tell the Difference
Some pregnant women may mistake Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) for real labor contractions, especially in the first pregnancy. Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals that become progressively shorter; more painful as labor progresses; are described as a tightening, pounding, or stabbing pain. Braxton Hicks contractions do not occur in regular intervals; do not become longer over time; and may disappear for a period of time and then return. Braxton Hicks contractions occur in third trimester of pregnancy, however, sometimes can occur in the second trimester. True labor contractions begin around your due date (unless your baby is preterm, in which you will be in preterm labor). So how can you tell the difference? Here are a few similarities and differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and True or real labor contractions.Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions tend to become more frequent toward the end of pregnancy, and are not as painful as real labor contractions; do not occur in regular intervals; do not become longer over time; and may disappear for a period of time and then return.
Labor contractions
Frequently one of the early symptoms and signs of true labor is when the contractions begin to occur less than 10 minutes apart.
Real labor
Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals that become progressively shorter; more painful as labor progresses; are described as a tightening, pounding, or stabbing pain; may feel similar to menstrual cramps; and sometimes Braxton Hicks contractions can be triggered by dehydration, sexual intercourse, increased activity of the mother or baby, touching of the pregnant woman's abdomen, or a distended bladder.
Natural and home remedies to soothe and provide comfort for Braxton Hicks contractions include relaxation exercises like deep breathing or mental relaxation; change positions or take a walk if you have been active and rest; drink a glass of herbal tea or water; eat; or soak in a warm bath for 30 minutes (or less).
Preterm labor signs and symptomsWhen you have reached 37 weeks, and the contractions are more painful and are increasing in frequency you will have abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping, an increase in pelvic pressure or back pain, and the contractions are more than four contractions an hour.
Labor Symptoms (Early Signs)
Every woman's experience with labor and delivery is unique for each woman, and thus "Normal" labor varies from woman to woman. Some of the common signs and symptoms of normal labor include the "baby dropping," increase urination, back pain, contractions, and diarrhea.
Is Breech Delivery Safe?
The breech pregnancies are not dangerous until it’s time for the baby to be born. In the breech presentation, the baby’s feet or bottom is located at the opening of the uterus instead of the baby’s head. The head is the largest part of the baby that must fit through the birth canal.
Labor and Delivery
Early and later symptoms and signs of labor and delivery are unique to each woman. Early signs of labor are "lightning" and passing the mucus plug. Later symptoms and signs that labor that labor is are the woman's water breaking, and when contractions begin. There are three stages of labor, stage 1 is the longest and occurs when the cervix begins to thin and dilate. During stage 2 of labor the baby passes through the birth canal and remains there until delivery, and stage 3, is when the baby is delivered.
How Long Does It Take to Go Into Labor After Being Induced?
In most healthy pregnancies, labor usually starts spontaneously between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. The onset of labor is characterized by softening and opening of the cervix, following which the uterus starts contracting and the water breaks.
Stages of Pregnancy
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
What Are the Side Effects of Vacuum Delivery?
Vacuum delivery is a type of assisted birth delivery also called ventouse-assisted delivery. Vacuum-assisted birth is a method to assist the delivery of a baby using a vacuum device. The side effects include potential risks to the mother and risks to the baby.What Are the Steps in Neonatal Resuscitation?
Neonatal resuscitation is a series of emergency procedures performed by a doctor to support newborn babies who are not breathing, are gasping or have a weak heartbeat at birth. These skills allow a doctor to save the lives of newborn babies.Why Is Forceps Delivery Done?
Forceps delivery is a type of assisted delivery in which tong-shaped instruments are used to ease the baby out of the birth canal. These instruments are used to cradle the baby’s head in the vagina and turn the baby into a better position if needed so that they can be guided out.