Breech presentation and increased risk of congential abnormalities?

[curleyshirley]

I am nearly 35 weeks pg with second DC, and was told at 32 weeks that the baby was breech. I am fairly sure it still is, as it all still feels the same (pain in ribs on right and kicks in hip on left). In searching for 'problems' associated with breech births, I have discovered that actually a breech presentation means a greater risk of congenital abnormliaties (like hydrocephaly),and have now got myself very worried (as if I wasnt worrying about enough already!) as was completely unaware of that. Cant find anything that puts any context/magnitude on this increased risk - and wondered if anyone here knew anything about it or could reassure me in any way?? Thanks!

I was unaware of that - dc1 was breech and dc3 was breech at 35 weeks but turned round and both are fine although there is no family history of congenital problems. Try not to worry - on some previous threads there are som e excelelnt books recommended I can't remember the titles and some websites on breech birth

Thanks gothicmama - yes I was completely unaware of it too (despite years of lurking on here!). I can only think (hope!) that the increased risk is still very low, otherwise it would be more well known than it is...??

DD was unfortunately born by emergency c-section, so I think if this baby remains breech, a breech birth (which would also be a VBAC) would pretty much be out of the question.

ok, being breech doesn't necessarily mean that the baby will have hydrocephalus, but having hydrocephalus makes it more likely that baby will be breech, as the head cannot engage. Have you had an anomaly scan? If you have, then it is highly unlikely that the baby will have hydrocephalus.

Congenital hip dislocation is more likely to happen in breech babies, than in vertex babies, but cdh is still pretty uncommon- incidence of about 2 per thousand births overall, so maybe a bit more in breech babies. Most breech babies are screened for cdh, and if it is detected, it can be treated easily. At this stage, even if your baby turns, the risk will still be there, so there is not much you can do about it.

The vast majority of breech babies have absolutely no medical problems at all.

Thanks tissy, yes I did have an anomaly scan at 22 weeks and all was well - so thanks for giving me some context (and rationality!). And I think I feel that if one of the congential risks being talked about is hip dislocation then I can totally live with that - given it can be easily treated - and I feel somewhat relieved that that is "all" that is meant by increased risk of congenital abnormalities.