Pregnant women may begin to worry if a baby is still in the breech--bottom or feet down--position late in the pregnancy. A C-section is often necessary to delivery infants that are in the breech position as this can make natural childbirth difficult and risky to the health of both the mother and infant. However, there are several exercises that expectant mothers can perform to help turn a baby to the head-first position.
Pelvic Tilt Exercise
Ronnie Falcao, a homebirth midwife in Mountain View, California recommends pelvic tilt exercises to turn a breech or transverse baby. Exercises should be started at 32 to 35 weeks of pregnancy. Lay on the floor or other firm surface and prop up the pelvis so that it is tilted up higher than the top of the stomach area. While in this position, placing an ice pack wrapped in a towel may help to create an aversion so that the baby slowly turns itself.
Breech Tilt Exercise
The breech tilt is another static exercise that helps to turn the baby to the head-first position. Lay on the floor so that legs are raised up against a wall and the pelvis is tilted up with a pillow and massage the stomach in circular downward motions. Remain in this position for up to 15 minutes at a time.
Swimming Exercises
Midwife Ronnie Falcao also suggests swimming as exercise for pregnant women as it helps to loosen the hip and pelvis joints and the pool provides a gravity-free environment that helps the baby to turn. A popular exercise to turn a breech baby is for expectant mothers to do headstands or handstands in a pool. The water supports the body and helps turn a breech baby. Of course this exercise takes some physical adeptness and holding the breath underwater for a few seconds at a time for up to 15 repetitions. This exercise should only be done with a midwife or someone present to assist.
Yoga Exercise
A yoga exercise called the cat stretch can be used to help turn a baby to the head-first position. Start by kneeling and then lowering the upper body so that palms are on the floor. Hold this position for a few seconds and then lower the head to the floor as much as possible. Use a pillow to support the chest but keep the buttocks and stomach raised. Remain in this position for a count of 10, raise the upper body up and repeat.
Acupressure Points
Some pressure points on the body are thought to help turn a breech baby. Acupressure exercises and techniques are used to stimulate these points. Use the fingers or a clothespin to place pressure at the outside corner and toe pad of the small toe of each foot. This should be done for up to 30 minutes a day to help turn the baby's head downwards towards the pelvis.
Member Comments