Diagnosis
The gynaecologist diagnoses the final position of the pelvis using ultrasound. It is also possible that the doctor or midwife can palpate the position from the outside. This is possible with the so-called Leopold’s handles.
By the 32nd week of pregnancy the baby should have turned upside down. If this has not happened, we speak of a breech presentation or breech presentation. However, it is still possible for the baby to turn upside down. The doctor or midwife will enter the position in the maternity record.
Associated symptoms
It is possible that women whose babies lie in the breech presentation may have other complaints and symptoms. However, this is not always true. Possible symptoms may include increased infant movements in the abdomen, such as kicks from the baby.
Mostly the expectant mothers will feel the feet at or above the bladder. This can lead to an increased urge to urinate. As the head is directed upwards, it can press against the ribs from below. This is often experienced by the mother as unpleasant or even painful. If the symptoms lead to suspicion of a pelvic end position, the midwife or gynaecologist should be consulted for advice.
Turn of the baby
There are several ways to turn the baby or make it turn while it is still lying with its bottom down. Which method is suitable should be discussed with the midwife or gynaecologist. From the 36th week of pregnancy onwards, an attempt can be made to turn the baby from the outside.
However, the external turn should only be carried out by an experienced midwife or gynaecologist. Before this, the size of the baby, the amount of amniotic fluid and the placenta are examined by ultrasound. This is important to avoid any risks during the turn.
Before the turn, the baby’s heartbeat is determined using CTG. The outer turn is sometimes described as painful and can cause premature labour. The midwife or gynaecologist will discuss the risks and success of the procedure with you.
There are also alternative methods of inducing the baby to turn if it has not turned by the 35th week of pregnancy. These can be carried out by the mother herself. Until the 34th week of pregnancy, the baby may move a lot in the abdomen.
Until then, babies often have plenty of room to turn around. If, however, from the 35th week of pregnancy onwards there is a tendency for the baby to lie more with its bottom down, there are some tips and exercises to get the baby to turn. One possibility is the so-called Indian bridge.
Here, a pillow is placed under the bottom in a supine position so that the pelvis is higher. After about 10 to 15 minutes at most, the baby should get up over one side with a swing. This exercise should cause the child to slip out of the pelvis and make a turn by getting up.
The exercise can be repeated twice a day. Another method from the field of traditional Chinese medicine is moxing. For this, an acupuncture needle is attached to a point on the little toe.
Now a lit moxa cigar is held against this acupuncture needle. The warmth is intended to stimulate the baby to turn over certain pathways. This should be done by a midwife who has experience with acupuncture.
