Baby in Breech Position
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with baby in breech position, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
A breech presentation means the baby is positioned bottom-first or feet-first rather than head-down. About 3-4% of babies are breech at full term. Many babies turn head-down on their own before 36-37 weeks. If the baby remains breech, options include external cephalic version (ECV) to turn the baby or a planned cesarean delivery.
Key takeaways
- A breech presentation means the baby is positioned bottom-first or feet-first rather than head-down. About 3-4% of babies are breech at full term. Many babies turn head-down on their own before 36-37 weeks. If the baby remains breech, options include external cephalic version (ECV) to turn the baby or a planned cesarean delivery.
- Usually normal when: Baby is breech before 36 weeks - this is very common and most will turn
- Call your doctor if: Water breaks with a breech baby - go to the hospital immediately (risk of cord prolapse)
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines, a breech presentation means the baby is positioned bottom-first or feet-first rather than head-down. About 3-4% of babies are breech at full term. Many babies turn head-down on their own before 36-37 weeks. If the baby remains breech, options include external cephalic version (ECV) to turn the baby or a planned cesarean delivery. At Second trimester, it is very common for babies to be in breech position in the second trimester. At this stage, there is plenty of room for the baby to move and turn. Most babies will naturally move to a head-down position by 32-36 weeks. There is no need to worry about breech position before 36 weeks. It is generally considered normal when baby is breech before 36 weeks - this is very common and most will turn. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if water breaks with a breech baby - go to the hospital immediately (risk of cord prolapse).
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
Second trimester
It is very common for babies to be in breech position in the second trimester. At this stage, there is plenty of room for the baby to move and turn. Most babies will naturally move to a head-down position by 32-36 weeks. There is no need to worry about breech position before 36 weeks.
Third trimester
If your baby is still breech at 36 weeks, your provider may discuss ECV - a procedure where the provider manually turns the baby from the outside. ECV is successful about 50-60% of the time and is performed in a hospital setting. Some people also try positioning techniques (like hands-and-knees position) or complementary therapies, though evidence for these is limited.
Labor & delivery
If the baby remains breech, a planned cesarean at 39 weeks is the most common delivery approach in the US. Vaginal breech delivery is an option at some hospitals with experienced providers but is not widely available. Discuss your options and preferences with your provider.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby in breech position and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby is still breech at or after 36 weeks.
- Mention if you want to discuss ECV or other options for turning the baby.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby is breech before 36 weeks - this is very common and most will turn
- Feeling kicks low and pressure high (baby's head in your ribs)
- Baby is still breech at or after 36 weeks
- You want to discuss ECV or other options for turning the baby
- You want to explore vaginal breech delivery options
- Water breaks with a breech baby - go to the hospital immediately (risk of cord prolapse)
- Labor begins with a known breech presentation
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby in breech position — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby is breech before 36 weeks - this is very common and most will turn — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At Second trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if water breaks with a breech baby - go to the hospital immediately (risk of cord prolapse).
Related Conditions
Baby Lying Sideways (Transverse Lie)
A transverse lie means the baby is lying sideways (horizontally) across the uterus rather than vertically. This is common earlier in pregnancy but occurs in less than 1% of pregnancies at term. If the baby remains transverse near your due date, your provider will discuss options including external cephalic version (ECV) or planned cesarean delivery, as vaginal birth is not possible in this position.
When Birth Does Not Go as Planned
It is very common for birth to unfold differently than planned. About 1 in 3 births in the US involve cesarean delivery, and many other births involve unplanned interventions. Feeling disappointed, sad, or even grieving the birth experience you envisioned is completely valid. What matters most is that you and your baby are safe, but your feelings about the experience also matter.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby in breech position normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby in breech position?
When is baby in breech position normal?
What causes baby in breech position?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby in breech position?
Is baby in breech position normal at Second trimester?
Is baby in breech position normal at Third trimester?
Should I go to the ER for baby in breech position?
Does baby in breech position go away on its own?
References
- [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. External Cephalic Version. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 221, 2020. ACOG
- [2]National Library of Medicine. Breech Presentation. StatPearls, 2023. NIH
- [3]March of Dimes. Breech Position. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby in Breech Position.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby in breech position and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby is still breech at or after 36 weeks.
- Mention if you want to discuss ECV or other options for turning the baby.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Baby is still breech at or after 36 weeks
- You want to discuss ECV or other options for turning the baby
- You want to explore vaginal breech delivery options
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Water breaks with a breech baby - go to the hospital immediately (risk of cord prolapse)
- Labor begins with a known breech presentation
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby in breech position are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if water breaks with a breech baby - go to the hospital immediately (risk of cord prolapse).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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A transverse lie means the baby is lying sideways (horizontally) across the uterus rather than vertically. This is common earlier in pregnancy but occurs in less than 1% of pregnancies at term. If the baby remains transverse near your due date, your provider will discuss options including external cephalic version (ECV) or planned cesarean delivery, as vaginal birth is not possible in this position.
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It is very common for birth to unfold differently than planned. About 1 in 3 births in the US involve cesarean delivery, and many other births involve unplanned interventions. Feeling disappointed, sad, or even grieving the birth experience you envisioned is completely valid. What matters most is that you and your baby are safe, but your feelings about the experience also matter.
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