A breech birth occurs when a baby is positioned feet- or buttocks-first during delivery. This high-risk presentation can turn a joyful moment into a devastating one quickly. Babies delivered in a breech position face a greater risk of serious, sometimes fatal, birth injuries or permanent disabilities.

Cesarean Delivery Is the Safer Option

In most cases, a C-section is safer than attempting a vaginal birth when it is determined that a baby is in the breech position. When doctors fail to follow standard medical protocols in these situations, families can suffer. Our breech birth injury attorneys help hold negligent providers accountable for this preventable harm. If your child was injured during a breech birth, contact us today for a free consultation.

 Breech Babies: What You Need to Know

What Is a Breech Baby?

A breech baby is positioned with their feet or buttocks facing downward toward the birth canal, rather than the head. In most pregnancies, the baby turns head-down by around 36 weeks, preparing for a safer, smoother vaginal delivery. However, when a baby remains in a breech position in the final weeks of pregnancy, delivery plans often need to change to ensure the safety of both the baby and the mother.

Why Some Babies Stay Breech

Breech positioning is fairly common earlier in pregnancy, but most babies naturally rotate to the head-down position before birth. If the baby remains breech after 37 weeks, the chance of spontaneous turning decreases significantly due to limited space in the uterus.

Several factors may contribute to breech positioning, including carrying multiples, an irregularly shaped uterus, too much or too little amniotic fluid, fibroids, placenta previa, or certain fetal abnormalities. In some cases, the reason remains unknown.

Types of Breech Positions

There are several types of breech presentations. In a frank breech, the baby’s buttocks are positioned downward with legs extended toward the head. In a complete breech, the baby appears to be sitting cross-legged. A footling breech means one or both feet are positioned to come out first. Some babies may lie sideways in the uterus, known as a transverse lie, where the shoulder would present first in labor.

The ideal position for birth is head-down, with the baby facing the mother’s back and chin tucked.

How Breech Babies Are Diagnosed

During the third trimester, your healthcare provider will monitor your baby’s position by feeling your abdomen and possibly using an ultrasound. If a breech position is confirmed at or after 37 weeks, your provider will discuss delivery options and whether attempting to turn the baby is a possibility.

Can a Breech Baby Be Turned?

One common technique is called external cephalic version (ECV). This procedure is performed in a hospital and involves the provider placing their hands on your abdomen to apply pressure and attempt to turn the baby into a head-down position. While ECV can be effective, it carries some risks and does not always succeed.

Some individuals also try natural or home-based techniques to encourage the baby to turn. These include certain body positions like pelvic tilts, bridge exercises, or child’s pose. Some may explore alternative treatments like chiropractic adjustments or acupuncture. While commonly discussed, these methods lack strong scientific backing and should always be approached with professional guidance.

Delivery Options for Breech Babies

If a baby remains in a breech position at 37 weeks or beyond, delivery plans may shift. A planned cesarean section (C-section) is usually the safest option. Although some providers are experienced with vaginal breech deliveries, these carry higher risks of complications such as head entrapment, umbilical cord compression, or limb injuries.

In most cases, your provider will recommend a scheduled C-section around 39 weeks to avoid the onset of labor and minimize the risk of an emergency situation.

Complications Associated with Breech Births

While carrying a breech baby doesn’t usually cause additional pain or discomfort during pregnancy, delivering a breech baby vaginally introduces greater risk. Complications may include birth injuries, restricted oxygen supply due to umbilical cord issues, or damage to the baby’s head, spine, or limbs.

Fortunately, with careful monitoring and the right delivery plan, these risks can be greatly reduced or avoided altogether.

What Happens After Delivery?

Most breech babies are born healthy and go on to develop normally. Pediatricians will typically check your baby’s hips after birth to rule out conditions like hip dysplasia, particularly if the delivery was vaginal.

When to Call Your Provider

Always contact your provider if you experience severe pelvic cramping, vaginal bleeding, or your water breaks. These symptoms may indicate the start of labor or another issue requiring immediate care.

Questions to Ask About Breech Birth

Learning that your baby is breech can bring up many questions. It’s important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about your delivery options. You may want to ask:

• What are the benefits and risks of trying to turn my baby?

• If my baby stays breech, do you recommend a C-section?

• What risks are involved in attempting a vaginal delivery?

Breech positioning can complicate the delivery process, but it doesn’t mean something is wrong. With proper monitoring, informed decision-making, and quality medical care, most breech pregnancies result in healthy outcomes for both mother and child. 

D’Amore Personal Injury Law, A Nationally Recognized Birth Injury Law Firm

We are one of the first and most experienced birth injury law firms in the U.S., with over 100 years of combined experience in this complex area of law. We’ve recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for people who had birth injuries.

Our attorneys are nationally respected advocates for children with birth injuries, and regularly educate other lawyers on best practices in birth injury litigation.

Our firm has the resources, network, and expertise to take on large healthcare institutions and their insurers—and win.

 Determining Liability in Breech Birth Injury Cases

Any medical provider whose negligence contributed to a breech-related injury can be held liable, including:

• Obstetricians
• Midwives
• Nurses
• Hospitals
• Birthing centers
  

Doctors are expected to choose the safest delivery method. When they fail to recommend a Cesarean despite clear risks, they may be held legally responsible.

How We Prove Medical Negligence

To win a breech birth injury case, we must show that your doctor failed to meet the accepted standard of care. This includes:

• Monitoring fetal position during the third trimester

• Attempting to reposition the baby using an External Cephalic Version (ECV) if necessary

• Recommending a C-section when a vaginal delivery is unsafe

If your doctor failed to take these steps and your baby suffered harm, our legal team is here to fight for justice on your behalf.

 Who Is Most at Risk for Breech Birth?

While any pregnancy can result in a breech presentation, the risk is higher when:

• There are multiple fetuses
• The mother has uterine abnormalities or fibroids
• There’s too much or too little amniotic fluid
• The baby is premature or has developmental issues
• The mother has gestational diabetes or a history of miscarriage
  

Doctors have a legal duty to assess these risks and discuss safer delivery options with you.

 Common Breech Birth Complications

During a breech birth, complications can include:

• Umbilical cord prolapse – cutting off oxygen

• Shoulder dystocia – baby’s shoulders get stuck

• Forceps injuries – spinal cord damage, skull fractures, or eye trauma

• Brain injuries – from oxygen deprivation

• Birth asphyxia – leading to conditions like cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy

• Severe maternal injuries – including tearing and long-term incontinence

These injuries are often preventable with proper medical care.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

You may be entitled to damages for:

• Economic losses: Medical bills, lost income, long-term care costs

• Non-economic losses: Pain and suffering for you and your child

• Wrongful death: Loss of your child’s companionship, funeral expenses, and projected future income
   

Get Help from an Experienced Breech Birth Injury Attorney

We don’t charge unless we win your case. Our team is committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you and your child deserve.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. Reach out through our simple online form to get started.