Life
When you’re pregnant, it’s normal to hold your breath any time something seems to be the least bit unusual with your baby. And even though breech babies are not uncommon, you may still fret about helping the little one get right-side up in time for his big debut. How can you naturally turn a breech baby, and are the exercises worth the effort?
First things first: you are not alone. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), about one in 25 full-term deliveries are breech births. Delivering a breech baby is entirely possible, but if you would prefer to deliver head-first, there are plenty of ways to encourage your kid to flip around. As further explained by the APA, if you want to flip your baby, it’s best try try between the 32nd and 37th weeks of pregnancy. Of course, because every pregnancy is unique, you will want to consult your physician or midwife before attempting these techniques.
Additionally, your personal feelings may impact which of these breech baby flipping tips will work for your situation. Placing a bag of frozen peas on your belly may just make you feel silly, or maybe you aren’t into any type of homeopathy. That’s fine. Regardless, it’s nice to have options when it comes to your baby’s delivery.
So if you're in search for ways to naturally turn a breech baby, look no further. Here are seven simple ways to try and flip your baby before their birth.
1
Work The Forward-Leaning Inversion
OK, no one expects you to pull off advanced yoga techniques at this stage of pregnancy. (If you can, kuddos to you.) But according to Spinning Babies, you can attempt to turn a breech baby with a forward inversion by kneeling on the edge of a couch, lowering your forearms to the floor, and allowing your head to hang freely. It just might give the baby enough room to turn around. This is one technique you may want to try with a helper.
2
Try The Breech Tilt
This exercise is a little easier than the forward-leaning inversion. According to Fit Pregnancy, you can lie on the couch with your hips elevated about a foot and a half above your head for about 10 to 15 minutes each day. It may encourage your baby to turn around.
3
Attempt The Elephant Walk
It helps to have a sense of humor for this one. As explained on Better Birth, you can perform the elephant walk by crawling but staying on your feet instead of using your knees. Although it may not be for everyone, the elephant walk works the same way as an inversion to get the baby to flip.
4
Play The Baby Music
Can you use music to help your baby flip? Maybe. As explained on NPR, some pregnant ladies put a phone playing music at the bottom of their pelvis. The idea is that babies will turn toward the music. The song choice is up to you. Even if it doesn't work, you can later tell your kids the story of trying to get them to move to "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)."
5
Light Some Moxibustion
If you're into homeopathy, then this idea might be right up your alley. According to Pregnancy.com, some people use a burning stick of moxibustion (AKA mugwort) to help flip a baby. The radiant heat may encourage the baby to move around. Of course, you probably want to consult with a trusted physician or midwife before waving burning materials around your body.
6
Enlist Frozen Vegetables
Sometimes tough love is needed to help your baby get into position. According to Babble, you can place a bag of frozen veggies near your baby's head to encourage him to flip around. Hopefully he'll turn over in pursuit of warmer climates.
7
Maintain Good Posture
Maintaining good posture may help your baby too. "Sitting on the birthing ball is great for when you're in labor, but it also promotes good posture during pregnancy," Jolivette Mecenas wrote for NPR. "And good posture makes it easier for baby to position himself head down, face down (facing your spine), which is ideal for easier birthing." Even if it doesn't work out, sitting on a birthing ball is just a lot of fun.
