So, you just had a prenatal visit with your Midwife or OBGYN and baby is in a breech position. They are talking about an ECV and scheduling your C-section and now you are feeling stressed wondering what you should do.
Step 1: Take a deep breath. In - 2 - 3 - 4; Hold - 2; Out - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8
These might be the right options for you or what you choose to do in the end, and that’s great! Let’s not forget that the ultimate goal is a healthy you and a healthy baby. It is important for you to know that you are not limited to these options alone though. While you are pregnant, there are a few steps you can take to increase the chances of baby turning head down without an ECV.
Option 1: Try a Perinatal Chiropractor
Even if you already have a regular Chiropractor, you might want to consider seeing a Perinatal Chiropractor during this time. While all Chiropractors have the basic training to treat during pregnancy, why not see a specialist that understands the specifics of birth, all of the physiological changes during pregnancy, and treats pregnant patients all day? The biggest benefit of a Perinatal Chiropractor is additional training & certification that is specific to your current condition.
Webster Certification is provided by the ICPA and allows for balancing of the pelvic joints, muscles and ligaments. Occasionally, this type of pelvic balancing alone allows baby enough room to find optimal positioning on their own.
Spinning Babies can also be added to visits in our office. Dr. Kristin is trained in their stretching protocols that have been very successful in improving baby positioning. Their #1 goal is also physiological balance, meaning we are still working on muscles and ligaments. If you are later in pregnancy (37+ weeks) and baby is not head down, we recommend adding Spinning Babies to your treatment. We may also increase your visit frequency during this time to help you achieve your goals.
Option 2: Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an amazing asset to have in your bag. Not only do they have techniques that may help with positioning, but they may also be able to help further relieve current pains, speed your postpartum recovery, balance your hormones to limit Postpartum Anxiety/Depression, and even help with natural induction methods after 40+ weeks.
Option 3: Try Spinning Babies at Home
We can teach you the basics of doing Spinning Babies at home and direct you to the best stretches for your baby’s specific position. Home care is an important aspect of Chiropractic care. You can also try Spinning Babies alone, but as there can be risks, we highly recommend you still consult a professional. Syracuse HypnoBirthing offers Spinning Babies parent training and can walk you through the how-to’s and when-not-to’s. Please be sure to do ample homework or consult with a professional before beginning for safety.
Whichever method you choose ECV, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Spinning Babies, it is important that you are also managing your stress levels. The physical and biochemical effects of stress can work against your goal of optimal baby positioning.
Take yourself for a prenatal massage, go for a walk, do some mindfulness activities.
Know that you are doing the things that you can, even if you are only able to do one of these options. There are reasons that a baby may stay breech including: carrying multiples, amniotic fluid levels, uterine shape, fibroids, placenta placement, issues with the umbilical cord, and even scar tissue from a previous C-section.