Effective Breech Baby Sleeping Positions To Help Baby Turn

Most babies instinctively find themselves head-down position in the womb before birth. However, some babies take on a different position, with their feet or buttocks set to emerge first. These are known as breech babies.

While a breech presentation isn't always a cause for concern, it can increase the risk of complications during vaginal births. Additionally, a breech position can lead to sleeping difficulties during pregnancy, making it challenging to find a comfortable sleep position.

But don't worry, there are ways to turn a breech baby and certain sleeping positions can help. To help you discover the best breech baby sleeping positions, we asked experts to provide tips, tricks and guidance on when to consult a doctor.

What causes a breech baby?

According to P. Fadwah Halaby, ARNP, a certified nurse midwife, the exact cause of a breech baby is often unclear. However, she notes that it's more common in certain situations, such as twin or multiple pregnancies, preterm babies and babies with anomalies.

Halaby also suggests, "A very short umbilical cord or one that is wrapped multiple times around the baby, effectively shortening it, can also prevent the baby's head from turning into the head-down position."

Types of breech fetal positions

There are several types of breech positions a baby can assume. As Halaby says, "A breech baby can have both knees extended and hips flexed (Frank breech position, with both feet near the head), or both knees bent in a sitting position (Complete breech position, like sitting cross-legged). Another possibility is one knee bent and one straight (Incomplete breech position). However, we believe there is no such thing as a Footling breech, with both hips and knees extended, as there isn't enough room for the baby to stand upright in the womb."

Transverse lie vs breech presentation

While transverse lie refers to a specific fetal position before birth, it differs from the breech presentation. According to information from The Mayo Clinic, the transverse lie presentation occurs when the baby lies horizontally across the uterus, rather than in a vertical position. In contrast, a breech baby is positioned with the bottom or feet first in the uterus, and the head comes out last as you deliver vaginally.

Breech babies at different stages of pregnancy

Breech at 20 weeks

While babies may seem small at the 20-week mark, they have room to move within the womb and can change their orientation. According to Halaby, it's common for the baby to be in a breech position during the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan.

However, she explains that this baby position should not raise concerns. Halaby states, "They are still tiny at this point and have ample time to turn and get into the optimal position for birth before reaching the 40-week milestone."

Breech at 29 weeks

If your baby is in a breech position at 29 weeks, Halaby assures that there's still ample time—at least two months—for the baby to turn into the head-down position for delivery.

Breech at 30 weeks

As you near the 30-week mark of your pregnancy, which is the beginning of the third trimester, Dr. Rakhee Patel, MD FACOG, a board-certified OBGYN, emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring a breech baby. "The primary concern at this stage is to plan in case the baby remains in a breech position as you approach full term," she notes.

Although most babies will naturally turn to a head-down position by the third trimester, if the baby is still breech at 36 weeks, Dr. Patel suggests that it is a good time to attempt an intervention known as external cephalic version (ECV). "This procedure involves a deep massage and manual manipulation of the baby from the outside to help them turn," she explains.

Sleeping positions to turn a breech baby

There are several sleeping positions and exercises that can encourage your baby to turn into the proper position for delivery. As Patel advises, you can begin trying these techniques around 30 to 32 weeks of pregnancy, provided your baby remains breech. "This allows a window of opportunity for the baby to naturally rotate before reaching full term," she explains.

Left-side sleeping: Patel says that this sleeping position is often recommended during pregnancy for better circulation. "While it may not directly turn a breech baby, it can provide optimal space for the baby to move," she explains. "Sleeping on your left side can also improve blood flow to the uterus and placenta, which can create a more optimal environment for the baby to move and possibly turn.

However, Patel recommends using a pregnancy pillow between your legs, especially when lying in this position, as it can help keep your pelvis aligned and provide comfort.

Pelvic tilts: "Pelvic tilts are also known as 'the breech tilt', which involves lying on your back with your hips elevated, using gravity to help the baby flip," states Patel. "This position encourages the baby to move away from the pelvis and allows space for the baby to flip head-down."

Inversion: The inversion sleeping position can also help turn a breech baby, suggests Patel. "This involves a downward dog-like position where your hips are higher than your shoulders," she says. "This can help reposition the baby using gravity."

Other techniques to turn a breech baby

According to Patel, techniques such as chiropractic care, acupuncture and external cephalic version (ECV) can also help turn a breech baby.

She explains, "The Webster Technique is a chiropractic method that balances the pelvis and relieves uterine constraints, potentially allowing more room for the baby to turn. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in turning a breech baby. Another Chinese medicine modality, moxibustion, involves burning a herb called moxa near the little toe to stimulate fetal movement and encourage turning. External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure performed by a healthcare provider where they manually try to turn the baby from the outside by applying pressure to the abdomen—typically done around 37 weeks—and has a good success rate."

Get medical guidance first

However, Patel strongly advises consulting with your healthcare provider before trying any of these methods. "It's critical to consult with your healthcare provider because they can assess your individual situation and recommend the safest and most effective methods for you," she says. "They can also monitor the baby's well-being throughout any attempts to turn them, ensuring that both you and your baby remain safe."

Experts: 

• P. Fadwah Halaby, ARNP, a certified nurse midwife
• Dr. Rakhee Patel, MD FACOG, a board-certified OBGYN with Pinewood Family Care Co.