When searching for natural ways to help a breech baby assume the optimal birthing position, many women come across information that prompts the question..."Can chiropractic turn a breech baby?"
Imagine being excited for your child to arrive via a non-intervention or even a natural birth? You've taken time and energy to create a well thought out birth plan that aligns with your values and you're certain it's going to be the exact experience you envisioned for your child.
As the clock ticks down, you patiently wait for baby to turn and assume "the position"…Until they don't.
Cesarean Section
About 1 of every 25 full term births will be breech with the vast majority of these pregnancies being birthed via cesarean section.
Without question, there are times when a c-section is the best and safest route to take, however, it is not without it's risks and side effects.For the child, there are higher risks of:
- Obesity
- Asthma
- Suppressed Immunity
- Respiratory Problems
- Cognitive Delays
- Delayed Breastfeeding
For the mother, there is an increased risk at the time of the procedure and the future risk of complications during future surgical procedures.
Needless to say, the rise from 5% to nearly 30% c-section rates in the US (and other developed countries) demonstrates a trend anyone supporting women and the birthing process would love to see reversed.
Why Is My Baby Breech?
It can be frustrating when you're not really sure why your baby still hasn't turned!
With no definitive cause soon to be moms are left scratching their heads, but there are some factors that will increase your risk:
- Amniotic fluid levels
- Uterus shape
- Abnormal growths
- Placenta previa
- Pelvic dysfunction
Possible Solutions?
A quick search for how to turn your breech baby yields thousands of results from medical professionals, alternative care providers and women with personal experiences.
Obstetricians may perform a manual technique to the outside of the belly (external cephalic version) in an attempt to turn the baby. Even when successful, these women are still considered high risk for prolonged and difficult labor, leading to an increased risk of emergency c-section.
Another approach well known to birth professionals is The Webster Technique.
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral shifts/ SI joint dysfunction. In doing so, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is facilitated.
Sacral shifts may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e., dystocia), caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby mal-presentation. Correction of sacral shifts may have a positive effect on all of these causes of dystocia.
Additionally, correcting pelvic shifts can restore balance to the pelvis thus creating an environment for the baby to assume a more optimal fetal position.
Lastly, this technique addresses the soft tissues around your growing baby, reducing the effects of intrauterine constraint. This can give your baby the room it needs to properly position itself.
This technique does not guarantee your breech baby will turn (and neither do the others) but you can find to numerous case studies of successful outcomes using Webster technique and chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Unfortunately, not all chiropractors are trained and are certified to perform the Webster Technique, so visit www.icpa4kids.org/Find-a-Chiropractor/ to locate a Webster Certified Doctor near you.
WHAT NEXT?
There are many reasons why many women seek chiropractic care during pregnancy, a baby in a less than ideal position (aka breech, frank, transverse, or posterior) is just one.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is incredibly safe and will only enhance your birthing experience.
We make getting started easy. Our consultation is always complimentary. Call today at 443.333.9876 to find out more.
