Why does the fetus choose the breech position?

Childbirth is a very harsh test for women. Only with the birth of the baby can all family members relax. However, there are many factors that affect normal childbirth. For example, some women may have narrow pelvic cavity, too large fetus, malposition of fetus, etc. The fetus is particularly critical. During pregnancy, the fetus will constantly change its position in the body. So why does the fetus choose the breech position?

First, why would the fetus choose the breech position? Fetal breech position is one of the common abnormal fetal positions. Breech presentation is caused by the fetus's buttocks at the exit of the uterus, so it is divided into single breech presentation and complete breech presentation. Single breech presentation means that the fetus's legs are raised and only the buttocks are at the entrance of the pelvis; complete breech presentation means that the fetus's feet and buttocks are at the entrance of the pelvis; of course, there are also situations where one foot is below, one knee is below, and so on.

Second, if the pregnant mother finds that the baby is in a breech position before 30 weeks of pregnancy, there is no need to worry, because after 30 weeks, most babies can naturally turn back to the head position, and those who continue to be in a breech position will be in the head position for about 10 weeks.

It accounts for 3% to 4% of the total number of births (data reference Baidu Encyclopedia "breech presentation": breech presentation is when the buttocks are presented first, and is the most common abnormal fetal position, with an incidence of about 3% to 4% of the total number of births). Of course, if the baby does not turn from the breech position to the head position before delivery, the expectant mother will almost certainly have to undergo a caesarean section.

Third, when the fetus is in breech position, the risk of vaginal delivery will increase. Compared with other parts of the fetus, the fetal head is the largest and hardest part of the body. When it is a cephalic delivery, the fetal head will be delivered first, and other parts of the fetus will be easily delivered through the birth canal. When it is a breech delivery, the body will be delivered first, because the fetal body cannot allow the cervix to stretch open to let the fetal head come out, so it will be much more difficult for the fetal head to be delivered.

Why does the fetus choose the breech position?

A wide cavity, more amniotic fluid, excessive relaxation of the abdominal wall of the multiparous mother, and frequent fetal activity in the uterus can easily cause breech presentation. The uterus is malformed, the uterine cavity is small, and the fetus's movement in the uterus is restricted, resulting in the fetal head being unable to turn downward, which can easily lead to breech presentation. Placenta previa, pelvic stenosis and pelvic tumors blocking the pelvic cavity will affect the descent of the fetal head into the pelvis, which may easily cause breech presentation. Due to low amniotic fluid, the fetus' legs cannot bend and straighten, which affects the bending or rotation of the fetal body and easily leads to breech presentation.

<<: What are the reactions to a breech birth?

>>: How should pregnant women with breech position sleep?