In most pregnancies, babies will assume their "birth position" between 34-36 weeks gestation. That position is head down with the baby's face turned toward the mother's back. Sometimes, however, babies lie breech (feet first with their head up toward the top of mom's belly) or transverse (laying sideways across mom's belly).
If you've been told that your baby is laying breech or transverse there are a few things that you can do to try and coax your baby into a better position. Please keep in mind that sometimes nothing will get the baby to turn. If that is the case your doctor will be talking to you about a cesarean delivery. If your baby isn't in a good birth position, a cesarean is the safest way for your baby to be born.
BREECH TILTS
Lie down on your back and place a couple pillows beneath your hips. You want to raise your hips off the floor about twelve inches.
Roll from side to side for 10-15 minutes 3 times per day.
Try to do this when your baby is active and before meals. It's hard to do this with a full stomach and you'll probably have heartburn if you try it after eating.
PELVIC TILTS
Get down on your hands and knees. Keep your arms shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Keep your arms straight but don't lock the elbows.
Breathe in. As you do so, tighten your abdominal muscles, tuck your buttocks under, and round out your back. (Picture an angry or frightened cat with its back arched.)
As you breathe out, relax your back into a neutral, level position.
Repeat, following the rhythm of your breathing. Do 30-40 tilts 3 times per day.
ELEVATE THE PELVIS
Prop a sturdy board against the couch and lie on it with your head at the bottom and your pelvis at the top. You can use pillows instead if this is more comfortable.
Lie in this position for 8-10 minutes every day.
MUSIC & LIGHTS
Get on all fours with your head lower than your pelvis.
Place a lit flashlight directly against the skin of your belly, very low on your stomach.
You can also use your iPod to play music for your baby. Set the volume at a medium-high level and place the headphones against the skin at the base of your stomach.
Your baby may be curious about the light and/or music and turn in that direction.
If these techniques don't work you can talk to your doctor about medical procedures or treatments that may help turn your baby. These techniques can include acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, or a procedure called external cephalic version (which is done by your OB care provider at the hospital). Do not attempt any of these treatments without first talking to your doctor.
