CAUSES OF BREECH

UNKNOWN CAUSES

The reason for a breech position is not always apparent. You might have breech presentations in successive pregnancies.

PRETERM BABY

Before the 34th week of pregnancy, there is more fluid and more room in the pelvis than at term. Should a baby be born at this stage, the chances are higher that he will be breech than if he were at full term.

SPLINTING OF THE FOETUS

If a baby is lying with straight (extended) legs with his feet in front of his face, he can’t get into the correct position, because the extended legs prevent him from ”following his nose” into the head-down position. In the case of a multiple pregnancy, the second twin may ”splint” the first twin and prevents spontaneous turning.

ACTIVE FOETUS

In the case of excessive fluid, the position of the baby is unstable, as this allows for more free movement of the foetus, and it is less likely to stay in one position.

Sometimes, the condition of your lower abdomen or pelvis prevents the foetal head from engaging comfortably in the pelvis. Therefore, the foetus turns and presents as a breech.

These conditions include a contracted pelvis, placenta praevia and fibroids. Other reasons include a short cord and a pendulous abdomen, where the abnormally relaxed front ”wall” of the belly hangs over your pubis. This sometimes happens if you’ve had many pregnancies/children or have too little fluid in the womb.