Frank Breech @ 32 Weeks

haboobjob · September 2014

I've been a little quiet for the last month or so with work and trying to prep the nursery but I'm looking for a little support. A super short bit of background, baby was head down at 22 weeks. At our 27 week appointment, our doctor noticed her heartbeat was located higher on my belly so she thought she may be breech. Next appointment at 30 weeks, heartbeat found down below belly button so we assumed she flipped and was back head down.

Wrong.

We had our 32-week appointment and scan this morning and baby is frank breech. Folded up completely in half like a lawn chair with her arms and legs completely covering her little face and kind of tucked into my pelvis (her head hits my belly button area). My doctor has always been really straight forward with me, which I really like. She said it's really a 50/50 chance to change as we head into 33 weeks. She told me the baby is measuring on the smaller side (31st percentile in size) so that's good for her chances of moving but she listed out the next steps if she doesn't turn. I feel kind of silly because I honestly didn't think about c-sections before this point and starting bawling in the office (not really my style, I'm blaming it on the weather).

She said we'll continue to monitor at our normal check up visits in the next couple weeks and then try another u/s at 36 weeks. If she's still breech at that point, we'll need to make a decision whether to move forward with the external cephalic version or just schedule a c-section. I'm super bummed out because I really had wanted to deliver vaginally. All I care about is that she is born healthy so we'll do whatever it takes for that to happen.

I know this could all change if she flips and I still have some time but I was hoping for some helpful stories or advice on anyone that has gone through this before. Also, is there any truth to doing yoga-type poses (like downward facing dog) to help the baby flip?

TIA ladies! We're almost there!!

jyaquinto13 · September 2014

Look at the version thread from today I think that will help you out in your decision. I've had a version and even though unsuccessful I felt as though I tried. I felt the same way as you after they told me because I just never even thought about it but honestly a c/s is not bad if you don't labor beforehand! Do some research and that will calm your nerves. You can ask for pain meds before the version so it's pain free. Good luck!

Maggie6424 · September 2014

Baby is breech as of now. Doc said not to every worry until 36 weeks, then we'd discuss options if he hasn't flipped.

kindacrunchy · September 2014

My baby was breech at 32 weeks and I'm pretty sure she still is breech and I'll be 34 weeks tomorrow. I have an appointment tomorrow so I'll know for sure then. My doctor assured me there was still time for her to flip but then went on to discuss steps to take to encourage her to flip. My doc is taking it seriously because I've had two big babies previously and have been measuring big and both of my other babies were head down early on so this is out ofthe ordinary for me, not to mention my strong desire for another natural birth. Anyway, she suggested I do cat pose, the ironing board inversion, the putting something cold on the top of my belly and something warm on the bottom. If she's still breech tomorrow we will look at acupuncture (I'm already seeing a chiro). Then if she is still breech at 36 weeks we will look at doing an external version.

I get a bit annoyed by all the "there is plenty of time don't worry about it replies" on here for this. There is time but it's okay to have a plan and start doing what you can to help baby move. Also, I know for me I'd rather "worry" about it now so I can start doing extra research to prepare myself more for a c section. I like to feel as prepared as possible that doesn't mean I'm worrying myself sick about it.

Aarg · September 2014

I just posted and started a thread about the version procedure.

Lots of good stuff from the ladies on there!

kindacrunchy · September 2014

Kaylajade8911 said:

kindacrunchy said:
My baby was breech at 32 weeks and I'm pretty sure she still is breech and I'll be 34 weeks tomorrow. I have an appointment tomorrow so I'll know for sure then. My doctor assured me there was still time for her to flip but then went on to discuss steps to take to encourage her to flip. My doc is taking it seriously because I've had two big babies previously and have been measuring big and both of my other babies were head down early on so this is out ofthe ordinary for me, not to mention my strong desire for another natural birth. Anyway, she suggested I do cat pose, the ironing board inversion, the putting something cold on the top of my belly and something warm on the bottom. If she's still breech tomorrow we will look at acupuncture (I'm already seeing a chiro). Then if she is still breech at 36 weeks we will look at doing an external version.

I get a bit annoyed by all the "there is plenty of time don't worry about it replies" on here for this. There is time but it's okay to have a plan and start doing what you can to help baby move. Also, I know for me I'd rather "worry" about it now so I can start doing extra research to prepare myself more for a c section. I like to feel as prepared as possible that doesn't mean I'm worrying myself sick about it.

That's fair enough but try not to get mad about us saying it. Usually it's the only info we have. My LO is transverse and my midwife just says don't worry yet. Most only say that. So its hard for us to advise you differently.
Also everyone is different and the best person to air your concerns with is your care provider. They can ease your fears and it's their job. No one is trying to be nasty but there's only so many times people can say this.

I'm not sure if this is all directed to me because it kinda sounds like you are more taking to the OP. But anyway, I'm not mad whatsoever but I get why people post about this and the broken record of "don't worry about it" is not really what they are looking for or all that helpful. I know for me I want to try to do as much as I can and not just sit around waiting for my baby to get bigger and bigger possibly to the point of not having room to flip and my provider is on the same page.

miss.brittany · September 2014

My first was frank breech. Techniques for you to research and decide if you want to try:

Spinning babies website for positions to encourage flipping
The Webster technique - done by a
Chiropractor
Ice on the top of your belly
Annoying/loud music at top of your belly
Moxibustion
Acupuncture
External cephalic version

I tried spinning babies, hanging upside down on an inversion table several times a day, ice, and music. They didn't work. I really wanted to try the Webster technique but my insurance didn't cover chiropractic care. And when I researched the success rate and the number of sessions it took, it was not a financially feasible option for us at the time. I ended up having a version (because of course insurance covers the more invasive medical option! Ugh!) at 38 weeks 2 days. It was successful!!!! There are risks, and it was very uncomfortable. But it worked for us and I was thrilled to be able to have med-free vaginal delivery. I would do it again if I had to. I posted a more detailed reply about my version on the thread that's going right now about version procedures. So if you want more details about it, you can read that.

Lastly, I just wanted to say that I hear you on the worrying thing. I knew my first was frank breech from 32 weeks until the 38 weeks 2 days when the version flipped her. And every week was torture! I was so stressed about it and was terrified of a c-section. But I was also scared that maybe there was a reason she was breech and I should trust her and not force her to flip. So many emotions!! I remember crying over the situation regularly. Try to take it easy, spend time researching your options, and perhaps start with the least invasive choices and go from there once you decide what you feel is best for you and your baby.

Good luck to you ladies, I hope your Babies turn!

victoria+james · September 2014

My LO is transverse and I am 36 weeks tomorrow. I have an appointment on Friday where we will discuss options (I plan on doing a version if necessary).

I found out at about 32 weeks and have been doing spinning babies poses ever since with no change. I'm actually typing this with my backside propped in the air and the blood rushing to my head... I am not amused.

But, like PPs have said don't stress too much about it at this point as things could change. If you want to feel proactive there is no harm in trying some of the techniques recommended and researching ECV to see if it's something you're willing to consider.

haboobjob · September 2014

Hi ladies! I appreciate the feedback. I definitely spoke to my doctor when I was at my appointment today because it caught me a bit off guard and potentially took my hopes of a vaginal birth off the table as she said she won't try and deliver a breech baby vaginally for obvious safety reasons (she said some US doctors will do this and it's common in other countries).

I'll check out the other threads. I did a search for it before posting this (because I would hate to waste anyone's time) but didn't really see exactly the answers I was looking for. I'll also check out today's version post for additional details. I guess I was also looking for some reassurance.. a little AW I know but I think we've all been there at some point in our pregnancy.

I know I still have time for her to move. 7 weeks is definitely still a long time for things to happen so I'm not super stressed; however, I want to feel as prepared as possible with my options so I thought I'd reach out and see if anyone else had experienced something similar.

FX that everyone's babies flip soon.

Eastie156 · September 2014

OP, this is the same position LO is currently in and has been in since 22 weeks. Ours hasn't moved at all. Some words of advice: chiropractic, acupuncture, Moxa, cold peas on your belly and play music down below... I've done all of these and have my 34 week appointment today... We'll find out if any of it has helped.

Frank breech position is a little more difficult for a baby to turn from, from what my OB and MW have described. It's also not the most common breech position, either. Unfortunately, a standard "oh he/she will turn" doesn't always apply in this situation. That said, try spiningbabies.com as well for more ideas...

bumpuser10309732 · September 2014

My friend just recently had her baby (two weeks ago). She was breech the entire time. Went in that morning for her c-section and baby flipped. It was just that quick. No c-section baby came out vaginally. So when people tell you not to worry it can happen at any time it literally can happen at any point here.

Eastie156 · September 2014

Kaylajade8911 said:

My baby was breech at 32 weeks and I'm pretty sure she still is breech and I'll be 34 weeks tomorrow. I have an appointment tomorrow so I'll know for sure then. My doctor assured me there was still time for her to flip but then went on to discuss steps to take to encourage her to flip. My doc is taking it seriously because I've had two big babies previously and have been measuring big and both of my other babies were head down early on so this is out ofthe ordinary for me, not to mention my strong desire for another natural birth. Anyway, she suggested I do cat pose, the ironing board inversion, the putting something cold on the top of my belly and something warm on the bottom. If she's still breech tomorrow we will look at acupuncture (I'm already seeing a chiro). Then if she is still breech at 36 weeks we will look at doing an external version. I get a bit annoyed by all the "there is plenty of time don't worry about it replies" on here for this. There is time but it's okay to have a plan and start doing what you can to help baby move. Also, I know for me I'd rather "worry" about it now so I can start doing extra research to prepare myself more for a c section. I like to feel as prepared as possible that doesn't mean I'm worrying myself sick about it.
That's fair enough but try not to get mad about us saying it. Usually it's the only info we have. My LO is transverse and my midwife just says don't worry yet. Most only say that. So its hard for us to advise you differently. Also everyone is different and the best person to air your concerns with is your care provider. They can ease your fears and it's their job. No one is trying to be nasty but there's only so many times people can say this.

I can understand where she's coming from with being concerned, with LO also Frank Breech, I was told at 31 weeks by a chiropractor that I should've started weeks before trying to get her to turn. There are differing opinions on it and I think the fact that it's a different breech position, the general "oh there's time, she/he will turn" isn't necessarily true. But you're right, unless your baby is in that position, you don't really know about how much time you have left to try to get them to turn.

roundabout2 · September 2014

My first was breech. I tried every trick on the internet, including handstands in a pool lol. I did have an external version at 38 weeks and it worked, and he stayed put head down.

Maggie6424 · September 2014

I should also add that I'll be doing lots of cat cow before my 36 week visit. But I'm really trying hard not to stress over it. My yoga teacher says to do that and also pelvic circles on a yoga ball.

haboobjob · September 2014

Eastie156 - How was your appointment? Any news??

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