About Breech Position
Key Highlights
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Focuses on achieving the safest delivery method for both mother and baby.External Cephalic Version (ECV) offers a chance for a vaginal head-first delivery.Management involves detailed ultrasound assessment to check baby's position, size, and amniotic fluid.Allows for careful planning, including the possibility of a planned cesarean section if needed.Reduces the risks associated with an unexpected breech delivery during labor.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of a persistent breech presentation (buttocks or feet first) after 36-37 weeks of gestation.
- Performing an External Cephalic Version (ECV) to attempt to turn the baby to a head-down position.
- Planning for a trial of vaginal breech delivery in selected cases (e.g., frank breech, adequate maternal pelvis).
- Scheduling an elective cesarean section, which is the most common delivery method for term breech babies in many settings.
How to prepare
- A detailed ultrasound to confirm breech type, estimate fetal weight, check placental location, and assess amniotic fluid volume.
- Non-Stress Test (NST) or Biophysical Profile (BPP) to ensure fetal well-being before any procedure.
- For ECV: The procedure is typically done in a hospital setting. An IV line may be started, and medication (tocolytics) might be given to relax the uterus.
- Discussion of all options, risks, and benefits with the obstetrician to make an informed decision.
- Fasting may be required if a cesarean section is planned or becomes likely.
Risks & possible complications
- For ECV: Temporary changes in the baby's heart rate, premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption (rare), or need for emergency cesarean section.
- For Vaginal Breech Delivery: Higher risk of cord prolapse, head entrapment, birth trauma, or low Apgar scores compared to cephalic vaginal delivery.
- For Cesarean Section: Standard surgical risks including infection, bleeding, blood clots, injury to surrounding organs, and longer recovery time.
- Potential for emergency intervention during labor if a planned vaginal delivery encounters complications.
Recovery & hospital stay
- After a successful ECV, recovery is immediate, and the patient can go home, continuing with routine prenatal care.
- After a vaginal breech delivery, postpartum recovery is similar to a standard vaginal birth, with monitoring for any signs of maternal or neonatal complications.
- After a cesarean section for breech, recovery follows standard post-C-section protocols: hospital stay of 2-4 days, pain management, incision care, and gradual return to activity over 6-8 weeks.
- Regardless of delivery mode, the newborn will be closely monitored by pediatric staff immediately after birth.
- Follow-up appointments with the obstetrician are scheduled to check healing and address any concerns.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-4 days
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Expected recovery time: 1 day to 6-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering breech position in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for breech position in India include Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform breech position. MediFyr helps you compare obstetrics and gynaecologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for breech position compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Breech Position in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated obstetrics and gynaecology teams and experience managing patients undergoing breech position.
Ayaan Miller, a 32-year-old first-time mother...
Ayaan Miller, a 32-year-old first-time mother and high school art teacher, was eagerly anticipating a natural birth. At her 36-week routine scan, her obstetrician discovered her baby was in a frank breech position (buttocks down, legs straight up). Ayaan had no symptoms, but the finding explained the persistent feeling of hard lumps (the baby's head) under her ribs. Her OB-GYN, Dr. Evans, recommended attempting an External Cephalic Version (ECV) at 37 weeks to manually turn the baby head-down, explaining the higher risks of vaginal breech delivery for a first baby. The ECV was performed in the hospital with medication to relax the uterus and continuous fetal monitoring. It was uncomfortable and intense, but successful after two attempts. Ayaan went into spontaneous labor a week later and delivered a healthy baby girl vaginally. Emotionally, she felt initial shock and disappointment, fearing a mandatory C-section. The ECV offered hope, and its success brought immense relief and empowerment, allowing her to have the birth experience she'd hoped for.
Obstetrics and Gynaecologists for Breech Position
Explore experienced obstetrics and gynaecologists who regularly perform breech position and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore