Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy 

Q:  My baby is in a breech position. Is it possible that she could turn? Is it a given that I will have to have a C-section?

A:  It is not assumed that you will definitely have a cesarean delivery if the baby is in a breech position. She could still turn on her own, even as late as 37 weeks' gestation. In fact, many babies are in the breech position at 32 weeks and eventually turn to the correct position, head down and at the mother’s pelvis.

If your baby is 36–38 weeks and has not turned on her own, your healthcare provider may decide to try to manually turn the baby, a procedure called an external cephalic version.

This is done by first administering medicine to relax the uterus and then having your healthcare provider place his or her hands on the outside of your abdomen, locate the baby’s head and try to gently turn the baby into the head-first position.

If the procedure is unsuccessful, your healthcare provider may speak with you about having a vaginal delivery or C-section right away.

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