causes of breech baby

3 min read 17-03-2025

A breech baby is one whose buttocks or feet are positioned to be delivered first, instead of the head. This occurs in approximately 3-4% of pregnancies reaching term (37 weeks). While often harmless, breech presentation can increase the risk of complications during labor and delivery, prompting healthcare providers to carefully monitor and potentially intervene. Understanding the causes of breech presentation can help expectant parents and medical professionals alike prepare for potential challenges.

What Causes a Breech Presentation?

Pinpointing the exact cause of breech presentation is not always possible. Multiple factors can contribute, often interacting in complex ways. These can broadly be categorized into factors related to the baby, the mother, and the uterine environment.

Fetal Factors:

Multiple Gestation: Pregnancies with twins or triplets significantly increase the likelihood of a breech presentation. The limited space within the uterus can make it difficult for all fetuses to find optimal positioning.
Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely are more likely to be in a breech position because they haven't had sufficient time to settle into a head-down position.
Fetal Anomalies: Certain birth defects or uterine abnormalities can impede proper fetal positioning, potentially leading to breech presentation. These anomalies can range from skeletal issues to problems with the baby's overall development.
Uterine Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities within the uterus, such as fibroids or a bicornuate uterus (a uterus with two horns), can restrict fetal movement and increase the chances of a breech presentation.
Polyhydramnios: An excessive amount of amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) can give the baby too much room to move freely, making it more likely they'll remain in a breech position.
Oligohydramnios: Conversely, too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) can restrict fetal movement, also potentially contributing to breech presentation.
Placenta Previa: The placenta's location, particularly if it's low-lying (placenta previa), might affect the baby's ability to maneuver into a head-down position.

Maternal Factors:

Previous Breech Birth: Women who have previously delivered a breech baby are at a higher risk of having another breech pregnancy.
Maternal Uterine Shape: The shape and size of the uterus can influence the baby's ability to turn. A smaller or abnormally shaped uterus may limit space for optimal fetal positioning.
Uterine Fibroids: These benign tumors in the uterine wall can create physical obstructions and reduce available space, affecting fetal positioning.
Pelvic Shape: While less definitively linked, some research suggests the mother's pelvic shape could play a minor role in the baby's positioning.

Other Factors:

Lack of uterine space: This can be caused by various conditions including those listed above, but generally refers to a lack of space for the baby to turn appropriately before delivery.

Diagnosing Breech Presentation:

Breech presentation is typically diagnosed during routine prenatal checkups through abdominal palpation and ultrasound. Ultrasound provides a clearer picture of the baby's position. Regular checkups are crucial to monitor the baby's position and identify any potential issues.

What to Do if Your Baby is Breech:

If your baby is breech, don't panic. Your healthcare provider will explain the options available, which may include:

Expectant Management: Monitoring the baby's position and waiting to see if it turns spontaneously.
External Cephalic Version (ECV): A procedure where the doctor tries to manually turn the baby into a head-down position.
Cesarean Section: This surgical procedure is often recommended for breech births due to the increased risk of complications during vaginal delivery.

The best course of action will depend on individual circumstances, including gestational age, the baby's size, the mother's health, and the preferences of the expectant parents. It's vital to discuss all options with your doctor and make an informed decision.

Conclusion:

Breech presentation is a relatively common occurrence in pregnancy. While various factors contribute to this positioning, understanding these factors allows for better monitoring and management during pregnancy and delivery. Open communication with your healthcare provider is key to ensuring the safest possible outcome for both mother and baby. Remember that while a breech birth can present challenges, modern medical practices offer effective strategies to minimize risks and ensure a healthy delivery.