So you’ve found out your baby isn’t positioned in the optimal head down direction, but instead they are breech (bottom down position). Aside from this news being concerning for most mums-to-be, the next thing is usually the question “So what can I do to get baby to go head down?!”

The majority of breech babies will turn before labour starts, and only approximately 3-4% of babies are in a breech position at the end of pregnancy.

Rather than leaving things to chance, I always encourage women to take an active role in their pregnancy. Optimising pelvic positioning during pregnancy can be beneficial for encouraging a breech baby to turn into a head-down position. As a chiropractor, I strongly encourage all women to be checked during pregnancy to ensure optimal pelvic alignment and function to optimise birth outcomes. There are so many gentle techniques, such as The Webster Technique and The Birth Ready Method, perinatal chiropractors use to support the pregnant body.

Here are several other techniques and strategies that may help optimise your pelvis and improve the position of baby:

1. Pelvic Tilts

Technique: Get on your hands and knees and arch your back upward (like a cat stretch) and then relax it downward. Repeat this movement several times to promote flexibility in the pelvis.
Benefits: This exercise can help relieve pressure on the pelvis and encourage optimal positioning of the baby.

2. Forward-Leaning Inversion

Technique: Kneel on the floor with your hands on a sturdy surface (like a couch or bed). Slowly lower your upper body forward, allowing your hips to rise. Stay in this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Benefits: This inversion can create more space in the pelvis for the baby to move and encourages a head-down position.

3. Bridge Pose

Technique: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Press through your feet to lift your hips off the ground, holding for a few breaths before lowering.
Benefits: This exercise strengthens the pelvic floor and can help open the pelvis, potentially assisting the baby in moving to a more favorable position.

4. Side-Lying Positions

Technique: Lie on your side with a pillow between your knees and another pillow under your belly for support. You can also practice lying on your left side to enhance circulation and encourage the baby to turn.
Benefits: Side-lying positions can help create more space in the pelvis and encourage the baby to shift positions.

5. Walking and Gentle Movement

Technique: Engage in gentle walking or movement throughout the day. Incorporate swaying your hips, which can help facilitate movement and space for the baby.
Benefits: Regular movement can encourage the baby to turn and optimise pelvic alignment.

6. Utilise Gravity

Kneeling Position: Kneel on a soft surface and lean forward onto a cushion or exercise ball. This position allows gravity to assist in positioning the baby correctly.
Benefits: Using gravity can help the baby move into the optimal position for delivery.

7. Chiropractic Care

Technique: Consult a chiropractor experienced in perinatal care who can perform the Webster Technique, which is designed to optimise pelvic alignment and create space for the baby.
Benefits: Chiropractic adjustments may help balance the pelvis and reduce tension in the ligaments, making it easier for the baby to turn.

8. Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Technique: Some practitioners use acupuncture or moxibustion (burning of a herb near the acupuncture point) to stimulate the baby to turn.
Benefits: Research has suggested that these methods can be effective in helping breech babies turn to a head-down position.

9. Visualisation and Relaxation Techniques

Technique: Engage in relaxation practices, such as meditation or visualisation, focusing on the baby moving into a favourable position. Imagine your baby gently turning themselves around into the correct position.
Benefits: Reducing stress can help improve overall comfort and potentially assist in the baby’s movement.

10. Consult Healthcare Provider

Discussion: Always consult with your healthcare provider or midwife before trying new techniques, especially if you're experiencing any complications.
Monitoring: Regular check-ups can help monitor the baby's position and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Using these techniques can help optimise the pelvis and encourage a breech baby to turn into a more favourable position. It’s important to listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance throughout your pregnancy. If you need any help, or you have any questions, please contact me for further support.