Symptoms
A breech presentation itself doesn't cause symptoms in the mother. However, during a prenatal examination, a healthcare provider may identify the breech position by:
Palpating the baby's head near the top of the uterus and the buttocks or feet in the lower part.
Hearing the baby's heartbeat higher in the abdomen.
Ultrasound confirmation reveals the breech presentation.
Causes
The exact cause of breech presentation is often unknown. However, some factors that may increase the likelihood of a breech presentation include:
Previous pregnancies
Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.)
Too much or too little amniotic fluid
Uterine abnormalities (e.g., fibroids, septum)
Placenta previa (placenta covering the cervix)
Prematurity
Fetal abnormalities
Medicine Used
There is no medicine used to "cure" a breech presentation. Medications may be used during an External Cephalic Version (ECV) procedure to relax the uterus, such as:
Tocolytics: Medications like terbutaline may be used to relax the uterine muscles during an ECV. Medications for pain management might be needed post-delivery in the event of a C-section.
Is Communicable
Breech birth is not communicable. It is a positional variation of the fetus within the uterus and is not caused by an infectious agent.
Precautions
Precautions revolve around managing and mitigating potential complications. These include:
Regular prenatal care: Allows for early detection of breech presentation.
External Cephalic Version (ECV): Consider ECV if the baby is breech near term. Ensure it is performed by experienced professionals in a setting equipped for potential complications.
Careful monitoring during labor: If a vaginal breech birth is attempted, continuous fetal monitoring is crucial.
Cesarean Section: If a vaginal breech birth is not advisable (due to fetal size, maternal health, or other factors), a planned Cesarean section is the safest option.
How long does an outbreak last?
Outbreak" is not applicable to breech birth. Breech presentation is a state of fetal positioning, not an infectious disease.
How is it diagnosed?
Breech presentation is diagnosed through:
Abdominal Palpation (Leopold's Maneuvers): A healthcare provider can feel the baby's position through the mother's abdomen.
Ultrasound: The definitive diagnostic tool to confirm the baby's position and rule out any other potential issues.
Vaginal Examination: During labor, if the presenting part is not the head, a vaginal exam can help determine if the baby is in a breech position.
Timeline of Symptoms
There is no specific "timeline of symptoms" associated with breech birth for the mother. The timeline is related to the gestational age at which the breech presentation is identified and the subsequent management.
Around 28 weeks: Many babies are breech at this point but often turn on their own.
32-36 weeks: If breech presentation persists, ECV may be considered.
37+ weeks: If the baby remains breech, a Cesarean section may be scheduled.
Important Considerations
ECV Success Rate: ECV is not always successful.
Risks of ECV: Though rare, ECV can have risks, including placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes, and fetal distress.
Vaginal Breech Delivery: Vaginal breech birth is associated with increased risks compared to cephalic presentation. Not all hospitals or practitioners offer vaginal breech delivery.
Informed Decision-Making: Discuss the risks and benefits of ECV, vaginal breech birth, and Cesarean section with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
Fetal Well-Being: Throughout the process, the baby's well-being is the top priority.