What's the likelihood of baby turning?

[AKP79]

Hi ladies

I'm 32+3 and since 28 weeks the baby has been switching from transverse to breech and at my midwife appointment today the baby was back to transverse. As far as I'm aware it's never been in a head down position and I'm really concerned that it will remain in the transverse position and that I'll end up with a C-Section. I'm desperate to avoid a C-Section as I live up three flights of stairs, my family all live a long way away and my OH is self employed so will only get a week off work maximum, so recovering from a major operation like that is going to be very hard work on my own.

My midwife has told me there's plenty of time for baby to move, but with its track record of being mostly transverse and the odd occasion in breech I'm really worried it won't. Does anyone have any similar personal stories that ended up in baby being the correct way around and having a natural birth??

Hello, I think there's plenty of time for your baby to move. My third baby was transverse at 38 weeks and stayed that way until 39 + 3 weeks when I was finally induced and had a normal, quick delivery. I found sitting on a birthing ball really helped (am now 31 weeks with number 4 and have already started bouncing). It helps the baby get in a good position. Loads of luck for your baby to move head down x

Hi Flossie thanks for the quick response! I think that's why I'm worried it's reluctant to turn, I've been on my birthing ball all day at work since 28 weeks, do yoga poses every evening and try to swim at least once a week. Think I got really disheartened today as I feel like I've been doing all I can and baby hasn't budged! It's my first and I really want to experience giving birth as well as the fact that a C-Section would be a nightmare... so pleased you have a positive story though, I'll keep going with what I'm doing!

I've been told if it's still transverse at 36 weeks they'll book me in for a C-Section, did they not book you in for one because your baby turned transverse after 36 weeks?

DS swithered all the way - obstinately transverse then ceph/transverse. The plan was ECV and then if that didn't work planned CS. As it was MW and I had a long frank discussion about what ifs and so on and it was all fine (apart from DS being OP )

DD turned from breech (which she had been resolutely positioned from as soon as they start checking) to where she was supposed to be at 38 weeks. She was my second though - I think they say it is easier with 2nd, 3rd etc

I think 32 weeks is still plenty of time for baby to move.

They were pressurising me to book in for a c-section with dd at 37 weeks because she was persistently breech, but due to my ds2 being hospitalised with pneumonia, it all got put off for a week and by then she was cephaic. Then she was breech again at my next check-up a week later and they discovered she was breech again when I went in for my pre-induction check-up at 42 weeks. I had ECV that day and then sat bolt upright all night to keep her head down overnight!

My nephew was transverse right up until dsil went into labour, then swifly shifted himself into the right position and was a normal and pretty swift delivery.

You don't have to agree to a booked c-section. I was told they prefer to book you in as a pre-booked section is much calmer and less stressful, whereas an emc if the baby is found to be breech/transverse during labout is obviously a lot more stressful for all concerned. To be honest, I would try to relax, enjoy your pregnancy and not think about it for a few more weeks. There's plenty of time for you to make a decision about having section nearer your due date, depending on what your baby decides to do in the meantime.

Thanks so much ladies, all of my friends have had perfect pregnancies where babies have been well behaved so even though my midwife has said that it's got time I struggle to believe her!

Moosemama - ha ha that really made me giggle that's definitely the type of thing I'd do (sitting up all night)... who am I kidding I am doing! I was doing handstands in the local pool at the weekend! It's good to know that I don't have to agreed to a booked c-section, I would really like to try and ECV or to go into labour and see if the baby turns itself.

People have been saying on another thread that acupuncture can help. Sorry if you are against the idea; but you might like to take a look at the thread. I'll link it for you.

Here.

Fab thanks Dazzle, that's really interesting.

Glad to help. I had no idea till I read those posts. My babies didn't need turning, but if they had, I would've wanted to know about any possible means of turning them, especially since acupunture is so easy.

Homeopathy also works. My baby was breech right hand side at 28 weeks. Went to see a mctimoney chiropractor ( recommend that too). It turns out that there wasn't the space to move to the left. Anyway... The baby went transverse and that was really uncomfy, so I took some Pulsatilla and at 32 weeks he was head down.
Let's hope the little monkey stays there now!

Good luck!

Fascinating. I'd heard about midwives being able to turn babies using - I think - just their hands (?). But none of this. Yup, good luck with the little monkeys. Mine still like to hang upside down when they get a chance.

you've got ages yet! Don't worry

Most babies are born headfirst, but at the end of pregnancy, around 3% to 4% are found to be breech. Before 37 weeks of pregnancy, breech presentation is much more common - about 20% of babies at 28 weeks are breech, and 15% at 32 weeks. Before term, which is defined as 37 weeks, it doesn't matter if the baby is breech, as there is always a good chance that she will turn spontaneously. Some babies do turn by themselves after this time, but it is much less likely, and some preparations should be made to decide how delivery is going to take place. About 10% to 15% of breech babies are discovered for the first time late in labour!

www.womens-health.co.uk/breech.asp

Hi, my yoga teacher says that the cat yoga position is supposed to help with getting the baby in to the right position. Also seen mentioned on here a website called www.spinningbabies.com/ that's supposed to be helpful.

Good luck!