How to Get a Breech Baby to Turn

It is only a few weeks until your due date and your baby is still lying breech. There are some simple exercises that you can do to encourage a breech baby to turn before you resign yourself to a Cesarean section. Many OB/GYNs recommend these natural exercises to stimulate babies into the head-down position.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Try breech tilts. Lie on your back and use pillows to raise your hips about a foot. Roll from side to side for 10-15 minutes at least 3 times per day. This exercise is best when the baby is active or you have not eaten for a while.

2. Rock your pelvis. Get on all fours and arch your back while tilting your pelvis. Return your back to a straight position and relax the pelvis. Repeat 30-40 tilts, 3 times a day.

3. Use music and lights to encourage the baby to turn. Get on all fours with your head lower than your pelvis. Place a lit flashlight directly against your skin low on your stomach. Turn on your iPod or Walkman at a medium-high volume and put the headphones against your skin at the base of your stomach. The baby may be curious about the lights and music and turn to that direction.

4. Elevate the pelvis. Prop a sturdy board against a couch and lie on it with your pelvis at the top for 8 to 10 minutes a day.

5. Lie on your back and prop your feet against a wall. Push your feet against the wall and use this resistance to lift your hips. Place a towel or pillow under your back to keep your hips higher than your shoulders. Try this exercise for 10 minutes 3 times a day.

6. Seek professional help. Methods such as acupuncture, chiropractor alignment of the pelvis and external cephalic version by a doctor or midwife have been successful but carry risks as well. Talk to your health professional to weigh the risks and benefits of these procedures.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult your obstetrician before attempting any exercise.