Before birth, babies should be in a position in the womb with their head pointing toward the cervix, called head-first. Breech babies are positioned in the womb feet-first or bottom-first. Some babies can be breech early in pregnancy and many turn on their own. Your healthcare provider will check as your due date approaches what position your baby is in. You may feel like attempting to turn your baby naturally, before a medical approach if you realise baby is breech before 37 weeks. It’s advised not to try any methods without medical guidance after 37 weeks. Here are a few popular things you can try to naturally turn your breech baby:
- Some pregnant people have tried using light to turn their breech baby and have sworn that it worked! This involves shining a flashlight through the skin of your low pelvic area. By the latter part of your second trimester, your baby is able to recognise light from outside. It’s therefore possible that your baby may move toward the light, head-first toward the pelvis.
- Another possible method is using something cool. Take an ice pack and wrap it in a towel. Then place it at the top of your tummy where the baby’s head will be. The theory is that your baby will move away from the cold area and toward your pelvis.
- Acupuncture has been shown to help the process of turning a breech baby. Make sure to go to a professional for this technique. The acupuncturist will pierce specific points on your toes to create some pressure. Incense is then burned and spread around the toes. The combination of pressure and heat is said to aid your baby in turning toward the pelvis.
- Some pregnant people have found that swimming has helped them naturally turn their breech baby. If you are a comfortable swimmer, you could try some different strokes or try to do some forward or backward turns underwater. Some evidence also shows the benefits of even doing some handstands underwater. Of course, you should make sure you are performing this safely with a support person to help.
- There are a variety of exercises that you can try to help turn your baby. One such exercise involves getting down on your knees, placing your arms and head in front of you on the floor, and lifting your hips up into the air. Performing this exercise twice a day for about 10 minutes each will help you to expand your pelvis. This allows more room for your baby to turn. There are videos and tutorials of other exercises that can be found online, but before trying anything too onerous make sure to check in with your healthcare provider.