Exercises for breech presentation of the fetus. Breech presentation of the fetus: causes, childbirth, exercises, photos

When the doctor during the consultation reports that the baby is positioned head up in the stomach, the mother begins to worry. And you really need to worry, because this position of the fetus in the last stages of pregnancy is abnormal. A fully formed baby in the womb should lie head down, so it will be easier for him to get out through the birth canal.

What is breech presentation of the fetus?

Breech presentation of the fetus is the incorrect position of the fetus in the womb. During the birth process, the baby's head is first exposed from the mother's genital tract. Since it is the bulkiest and hardest part of the baby's body, its passage through the pelvic bones presents little difficulty. During contractions, the pelvis moves as wide as possible to push the head forward, and as soon as this happens, the rest of the baby’s body easily jumps out after it. This is how childbirth proceeds when the fetus is placed correctly in the mother’s belly, that is, head down.

But in about five out of a hundred women, the baby in the womb takes on an incorrect body position, and remains so until birth. The baby sits between the bones of the pelvis with her butt or legs, and when the mother, at 28 weeks of pregnancy, comes for a routine examination to the doctor, he diagnoses the fetus as breech. At this stage, the fetus is already quite large, so the likelihood that it will unfold on its own is small. Usually, special massage and gymnastic procedures are used to turn the baby.

Types of breech presentation

Although breech presentation of the fetus does not pose a clear threat to the health and life of the baby and mother, it is still a pathology. And any pathology is fraught with consequences. A baby sitting in the stomach with its head up has poor development of the internal parts of the brain, and because the lower part of the body is squeezed between the pelvic bones, it often experiences minor hemorrhages and swelling of the tissues of the kidneys and genitals. A baby who is in the wrong position in the womb receives little oxygen, suffers from tachycardia, cannot move his limbs normally, and runs the risk of heart disease, cerebral palsy, or chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

Gynecologists distinguish three types of breech presentations:

  • breech presentation of the fetus, when the baby sits on the bottom, the legs are raised up, with the feet touching the face and the knees pressed to the stomach;
  • mixed presentation, in which the legs are bent at the knees and pressed against the body, so the baby rests against the bones of the mother’s pelvis with both the buttocks and feet;
  • foot presentation of the fetus, when the baby seems to be squatting, sometimes one of the legs can stretch out and slide towards the exit of the uterus.

Causes of breech presentation of the fetus

A woman diagnosed with breech presentation of the fetus needs increased attention from a doctor. A gynecologist can easily determine the breech presentation of the fetus by simply feeling the mother’s belly or conducting ultrasound diagnostics. And although with this peculiarity of the uterine development of the baby, pregnancy proceeds as usual, the doctor must carefully monitor the fetus, its health and well-being.

Each embryo actively tosses and turns in the mother’s womb until approximately 22–23 weeks of pregnancy. Then he becomes large enough to somersault, or lays head down, or sits on his legs or butt, not wanting to change position. If by the 36th week the baby has not managed to turn around correctly, then the presentation cannot be corrected; it persists until birth. The reasons why the baby behaves so strangely can be very different:

  1. embryonic developmental defects;
  2. pathologies of the uterus, weakening of the tone of its muscle tissue, malignant tumors;
  3. placental defects;
  4. polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios;
  5. consequences of cesarean section and other operations on the internal genital organs;
  6. multiple pregnancy.

Symptoms of breech presentation of the fetus

Mom doesn’t notice any changes at all: her stomach looks normal, there is no pain or discomfort, she feels normal. If a pregnant woman for some reason does not attend routine examinations with a gynecologist, then she may not find out until the very birth that her baby is not lying correctly in the uterus. Therefore, it is so important not to ignore medical advice during pregnancy.

First, the doctor palpates the abdomen. With a breech presentation, the fetal heartbeat is clearly heard near the navel, and the uterus is too high. The gynecologist then examines the vagina and cervix through palpation. If the child is sitting on his bottom, his fingers feel the soft buttocks and tailbone, and when the baby rests his legs on the pelvis, the doctor determines his heels and small toes. In this case, in order to finally confirm the diagnosis, the doctor writes a referral to the mother for an ultrasound examination.

Birth with breech presentation

Many women panic if labor is approaching and the baby has not yet turned head down. There's really no need to worry too much. Mothers diagnosed with breech presentation of the fetus are admitted to the obstetric hospital under close medical supervision ahead of schedule. After a thorough examination, the doctor decides how to perform obstetrics: use a caesarean section or allow a natural process.

Usually, childbirth with a breech presentation of the fetus proceeds naturally without any special problems; its progress is closely monitored by an obstetrician. But there are situations when a caesarean section is required to preserve the health and life of the baby.

Emergency surgery is necessary if:

  • the fetus lacks oxygen;
  • the placenta is deformed;
  • the uterus has pathologies or tissue tears;
  • the mother has a too narrow pelvis;
  • weak contractions are recorded, or the cervix does not dilate;
  • the baby is large, post-term;
  • The baby's legs or umbilical cord have fallen into the cervix.

Complications during childbirth

When the baby comes out into the light with its legs forward, the uterus contracts weakly, contractions do not appear intensely, and the cervix opens to a small width. This happens because the lower part of the fetal body is much smaller in volume than the head, which means it cannot put enough pressure on the walls of the uterus as the baby moves through the birth canal. As a result, obstetricians have to stimulate labor.

In addition, babies who come out of their mother's belly with their butts forward often have their arms thrown back or their heads get stuck, which leads to serious injuries. Sometimes children press the umbilical cord with their head against the wall of the cervix or birth canal. The flow of oxygen is abruptly interrupted, and the baby begins to suffocate. Doctors urgently use an artificial method to speed up the birth process before the baby dies before it can even be born.

Exercises for breech presentation

If the baby is unable to turn head down before the 34th week of pregnancy, the doctor may advise the mother on special gymnastic exercises. Since gymnastics against breech presentation is performed in a supine position, it is advisable not to do it after a heavy meal, so as not to cause dizziness, heartburn and nausea. Physical exercise is also strictly prohibited for pregnant women with toxicosis in the later stages, if there are defects in the placenta, or if any operations have been performed on the uterus, after which scars remain. To avoid problems, before starting gymnastics, it is better to consult a doctor.

  1. Exercise 1. You need to lie on your back and make smooth body turns from one side to the other: 3 – 5 times for 10 minutes. The exercise should be performed at least 3 times a day.
  2. Exercise 2. Lying on your back, place some cushion of a pillow, rolled up towel or blanket under your lower back so that your head is about 20 cm below your pelvis. You need to stay in this position for up to 15 minutes, but no more. This lesson is carried out 2 – 3 times a day.
  3. Exercise 3. Lying on your back, spread your legs shoulder-width apart and bend your knees so that your feet rest completely on the floor. You need to raise your pelvis, leaning on your feet and shoulders, tensing the muscles of your buttocks, then slowly lower it, and so on 5 - 7 times. The exercise is done 3 times a day.

If after gymnastics the doctor discovers during an examination that the baby’s position in the stomach has become normal, the first two exercises can no longer be performed, but for prevention it is better to do the third until birth.

At the beginning of pregnancy, while your unborn baby is still very small, he moves freely inside the uterus, changing his position. Over time, as the fetus grows, it becomes more and more cramped. However, until about 30 weeks of pregnancy, its position should not be a cause for concern.

By this time, as a rule, the baby turns his head down. This position is called cephalic presentation. This is a classic option, the most convenient for childbirth. This is the situation in which up to 90% of children are born.

However, it happens that the baby takes the opposite position. Thus, the part closest to the exit is the buttocks, and this position is called the gluteal, or pelvic position. With this placement, natural childbirth is also possible, although more difficult.

The location is determined during an ultrasound examination and during a manual examination by a gynecologist by palpation of the abdomen. If after 30 weeks your baby has taken a transverse or incorrect position, you will be advised to do some exercises to help the baby roll over. You should not be afraid of this situation, since many children take the classic position after 32-34 weeks, or even on the eve of birth. The proposed course of exercises will allow you to contribute to this process.

1. "Indian Bridge". You need to lie on the floor, raise your legs and place several pillows under your pelvis so that your pelvis becomes 30-40 centimeters higher than your shoulders. In this case, the shoulders, pelvis and knees should form a straight line. Thanks to this exercise, some children turn into the correct position the first time.

If the child is still stubborn, repeat the lesson 2-3 times a day. However, never do this on a full stomach. There is another version of this exercise. You can sit your husband opposite and put your legs on his shoulders so that your popliteal fossae are on his shoulders.

In addition to this classic method, there are also methods for cauterizing certain points on the outside of the little toe, as well as acupressure on the inner surface of the foot. But this requires highly qualified specialists.

2. For transverse and (or) pelvic presentation of the fetus, three more exercises:

Introductory: Feet shoulder-width apart, arms down. On the count of one, raise your arms to the sides with your palms down, stand on your toes and at the same time arch your back, taking a deep breath. On two - exhale and the starting position. Repeat 4 times.

Basics: Lie on the side to which the baby’s back is facing in the breech position, or the opposite side to which the baby’s head is facing in the transverse position. Bend your knees and hips and lie quietly for 5 minutes. Then take a deep breath, turn over your back to the other side and lie quietly again for 5 minutes. Then straighten the leg that is located on top - in the pelvic position, or the one on which you are lying, in the transverse position. The second leg must remain bent. Take a deep breath and again bend the straightened leg at the knee and hip joints, clasp your knee with your hands and move it towards the back or towards the buttocks if transverse. At the same time, the torso will lean forward, and the bent leg will describe a semicircle inward, touching the front wall of the abdomen. Exhale deeply, relax, straighten and lower your leg. Then take a deep breath again and repeat the exercise again. This exercise should be done 5-6 times.

Final: Lying on your back. Bend your legs at the knees and hip joints, place your feet shoulder-width apart on the floor, extend your arms along your body. On the count of one, inhale and lift your pelvis, resting on your feet and shoulders. On two - lower your pelvis and exhale. Then straighten your legs, tighten your buttock muscles, pull in your stomach and perineum, while inhaling. Relax - exhale. Repeat 7 times.

If during the next ultrasound it is discovered that you have achieved your goal and the baby has turned from the pelvic position to the normal position, you can forget the introductory and main exercises, and perform the final one until birth occurs.

If during classes you feel movement or something similar to noise in your stomach, then most likely you have “persuaded” the child to take the correct position. A long walk will help him stabilize in this position. But to make sure of success, you need to do an ultrasound.

The following position of the fetus in the uterus is considered normal: the head is at the bottom, located above the womb and during childbirth, the first one passes through the mother’s birth canal. But this doesn't always happen. In 3-4% of all women, the fetus is located in the uterus in reverse, in the so-called breech presentation. With it, the baby’s buttocks (gluteal), legs (leg) or buttocks together with legs (mixed) are facing the entrance to the mother’s pelvis (above the womb).

Childbirth can proceed completely normally, but situations often arise that are unfavorable not only for the mother.

Possible reasons:

Increased mobility of the baby with polyhydramnios, premature pregnancy (the amount of water is greater than in a full-term pregnancy), multiple pregnancy,

Narrow pelvis, abnormal attachment of the placenta (location in the path of the baby’s advancement along the birth canal), abnormalities of its development (large disproportionate size of the head)

Oligohydramnios, uterine development abnormalities. At the same time, mobility in the uterus is limited.

Decreased uterine tone. The ability of the uterus to correct its position in response to irritation of its walls decreases.

  • gluteal (the buttocks are located above the womb, the legs are extended along the body)
  • leg (legs come first)
  • mixed (buttocks facing the mother's pelvis with legs bent at the hip and knee joints).

Legs are formed during childbirth. Gluteal - make up 30-33% of all abnormal presentations. Very rarely, in 0.3% of cases, the knee is found, a type of leg, in which the baby’s bent knees are facing the mother’s pelvis.

During an external obstetric examination, during an examination of a pregnant woman, a large, irregularly shaped and softish consistency of the nearest part is felt above the entrance to the pelvis. There is also a high standing of the uterine fundus compared to the same period of pregnancy with cephalic. This is due to the position of the fetal pelvis above the entrance to the mother's pelvis until the end of pregnancy and the onset of labor. In the fundus of the uterus, on the contrary, a dense, rounded head is determined. The baby's heartbeat is best heard in pregnant women with an anomaly above the navel.

The diagnosis can be clarified by vaginal examination. At the same time, the soft tissues of the buttocks and legs are palpated. Since all pregnant women undergo ultrasound examinations several times during pregnancy, diagnosis is not difficult.

Pregnancy proceeds in the same way as with headache. Starting from the 32nd week of pregnancy, a certain set of exercises is recommended to correct the position. A pregnant woman, lying on the bed, turns alternately on her right and left sides and lies on each for 10 minutes. And so 3-4 times. Classes are held 3 times a day. Often the baby turns on its head during the first 7 days, unless there are aggravating circumstances (oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios, abnormal shape of the uterus). The point of these exercises is to irritate nerve receptors, increase excitability and motor function of the uterus. If by 37-38 weeks the stubborn baby has not changed his position, the birth is carried out in a breech presentation. 2 weeks before the expected date of birth, hospitalization in a hospital is proposed, where the question of the method of delivery is decided?

In the maternity hospital, to decide on the method of delivery (caesarean section or vaginal delivery), the following points are assessed:

  1. woman’s age (first birth after 30 years is considered aggravating)
  2. how past pregnancies proceeded, whether there were births and how they ended. An important point is the presence of independent childbirth in the past.
  3. How was the actual pregnancy, is there any swelling, high blood pressure, impaired renal function?
  4. estimated weight (the estimated weight of the baby is more than 3500 g, which inclines one to make a decision in favor of a cesarean section)
  5. condition (signs of chronic hypoxia, lack of oxygen, which may worsen due to protracted labor)
  6. the size of the mother’s pelvis (there is a tendency for a clinically narrow pelvis to occur during childbirth). It is possible to use X-ray pelviometry (estimating the size of the bone pelvis using X-rays)
  7. the condition of the cervix, its readiness for childbirth (the mature cervix is ​​soft, shortened to 1.5-2 cm, located in the center of the small pelvis, allows the tip of a finger to pass through)
  8. type of breech presentation. The most unfavorable is considered to be foot (frequent complications in the form of prolapse of the fetal leg, umbilical cord loop
  9. position of the head (if there is excessive extension according to ultrasound data, operative delivery is also recommended). This can lead to injuries to the brain and cervical spine.

If there are complications during pregnancy, a narrow pelvis, the baby’s weight is more than 3500 g, and the age of the primiparous woman is more than 30 years, a decision is made to deliver the pregnant woman with pelvic placement of the fetus by cesarean section. The cesarean section rate is more than 80% on average.

Assistance in childbirth

After the operation, a scar remains on the uterus, so if the condition of the mother and baby is good, the cervix is ​​mature and the baby is expected to be small, the birth is carried out independently under close supervision.

In the first stage of labor (contractions and dilatation of the cervix), the woman must remain in bed to avoid complications (premature rupture of water, prolapse of the umbilical cord or loops).

If, nevertheless, a decision is made to deliver the child through the natural birth canal, obstetric care is provided in the form of benefits during the second stage of labor. The main principle is to maintain the baby’s position (the legs are extended along the body and pressed to the chest with the arms). First, the baby is born up to the navel, then to the lower edge of the angle of the shoulder blades, then the arms and shoulder girdle, and then the head. Once the baby is born up to the navel, its head presses against the umbilical cord and oxygen deficiency develops. No more than 5-10 minutes should pass before full birth, otherwise the consequences of oxygen starvation can be very unfavorable. An incision is also made in the perineum to speed up the birth of the head and make it less traumatic. A drip with contractile agents (oxytocin) and antispasmodics (no-shpa) are also used.

The condition of children born in malpresentation during spontaneous birth requires increased attention. Frequent signs of hypoxia suffered during childbirth adversely affect the baby’s nervous system (consultation with a neurologist). A common pathology is dislocation of the hip joint. A neonatologist (children's doctor) must be present at the birth to provide resuscitation measures if necessary. If these precautions are observed, children born in this way do not differ from other children.

About 90% of children are born in the most convenient position for childbirth, being in a cephalic presentation - with the head towards the exit of the uterus and the back turned to the left. However, 5% of babies are born not as nature intended, but in the way it was convenient for the child to settle down - from a breech position. Often the fetus is positioned with the buttocks down because this is the only possible position due to the structure of the body of the mother or child. But there are also situations when the child needs to be given an additional opportunity to move from pelvic to cephalic presentation, and to be pushed a little. It is for such purposes that entire sets of exercises have been developed that are recommended for use during pregnancy.

Therapeutic exercise and corrective gymnastics during pregnancy with breech presentation

Method I.F. Dikanya:

From 28 to 37 weeks, you can practice alternating lying on your side for 10 minutes in 3-4 approaches. This exercise changes the tone of the walls of the uterus, provokes the baby’s activity in the womb and, ultimately, helps him turn over. You need to do the exercise 4 times a day before meals for a week.

A set of exercises proposed by V.V. Fomicheva:

Classes are held from 32 to 38 weeks, twice a day (morning and evening), 25 minutes each. Before starting classes, a warm-up is necessary, after classes - a small breathing complex for relaxation.

The starting position is vertical, feet shoulder-width apart, arms relaxed and lowered down. We bend to the side, exhale, return to the starting position, inhale, and then bend in the other direction. Repeat - several times.

The starting position is vertical, hands on the belt. Lean forward slowly and inhale. We return to the starting position, exhale. Bend back, inhale. Repeat - 5 times.

Starting position: vertical, feet shoulder-width apart. We spread our arms to the sides and turn to the side, bringing our hands together in front of us. We return to the starting position and spread our arms. Repeat 5 times in each direction.

Starting position – knee-elbow position on the floor. Slowly and one at a time we lift and straighten our legs back and up. Repeat - 4 times for each leg.

Starting position – standing on all fours. We lower our heads down, round our backs and inhale. We return to the starting position, bend in the lower back, exhale. Repeat - 10 times.

Starting position: on your back, resting on your feet. Raise the pelvis up, inhale and, returning to the starting position, exhale. Repeat – 4 times.

Exercises according to the method of E.V. Bryukhonenko:

The complex begins with walking in place, on tiptoes, on the heels, on the inside and outside of the foot. Finish the session with a Kegel exercise.

Starting position – knee-elbow position on the floor. Calmly and slowly inhale and exhale. Repeat – 6 times.

Starting position – knee-elbow position on the floor. Slowly tilt your torso down, touching your chin to your hands. We inhale, return to the starting position - exhale. Repeat – 5 times.

Starting position – knee-elbow position on the floor, voluntary breathing. Slowly extend your straight leg up and move it to the side, touching your toe to the floor. We return to the starting position and do the same with the other leg. Repeat – 4 times.

Starting position - on all fours. We lower our heads down, round our backs and exhale. Slowly bend in the lower back, raise your head, and inhale. Repeat - 10 times.

Contraindications to gymnastic exercises during presentation

  • scars on the uterus;
  • uterine tumor;
  • placenta previa;
  • gestosis;
  • developmental anomalies of the uterus and fetus;
  • threat of miscarriage during pregnancy;
  • multiple births;
  • polyhydramnios;
  • oligohydramnios;
  • infertility and miscarriage of previous pregnancies;
  • narrow pelvis

Of course, many exercise therapy exercises are sometimes difficult for a pregnant woman. But these are the scientific methods provided by modern medicine. Perhaps folk remedies are more suitable for someone, the safest of which are listed below.

How to turn a breech baby over (non-scientific methods)

  • Posture. During pregnancy, and especially in the last stages, you need to pay special attention to your posture. The fact is that a straight back and a clear line of shoulders, firstly, increases the flow of oxygen to all organs, including the uterus and placenta. Secondly, correct posture allows you to provide additional space for the baby, which is necessary for the baby to turn over independently.
  • Sleep in the right position. A pregnant woman should not be overtired and go to bed late. The fact is that a very tired person immediately goes into deep sleep and can lie in one position until the morning. Thus, the child develops the habit of being in a static position for a long time, for example, when the mother sleeps on her side all night. And if before the 30th week the baby has the opportunity to roll over during the day, then in the later stages he gets used to remaining in the position in which it is convenient for him to be at night.
  • Hot-cold tactics. Simultaneously or alternately applying something warm or cold to the lower and upper parts of the uterus, respectively, can presumably stimulate the baby to turn.
  • Music, the sound of a low voice. Headphones with pleasant music placed on the lower abdomen can make the baby roll over. You can also ask your husband or grandfather to “talk” to the child at the level of the lower abdomen. Low sounds always attract the baby and in the process of movements he is able to roll over into the desired position.
  • Swimming in the pool, water aerobics. The floating and movement of water around the mother's body creates a weightless effect in the uterus and helps the baby change the breech presentation and take the correct position. Jumping and turning in water aerobics relaxes the pelvic and uterine muscles and also creates conditions for the baby to naturally turn over.
  • Yoga for pregnant women. Yoga asanas are recommended to stimulate the baby to turn over even in later stages, positions in the form of a handstand or bridge are especially helpful. But success in this case is achieved only by those women who practiced yoga before pregnancy. For beginners in late pregnancy (32-36 weeks), it is possible to use a stylized “half-bridge” position, when the woman lies on her back with a pillow or several folded blankets under her lower back. The duration of this exercise is 3 minutes at the beginning and gradually increases to 20 minutes. The frequency of exercise is several times a day.

Normally, the fetus in the uterine cavity in the last weeks of pregnancy should be located upside down, directly above the womb. However, in 3-4% of cases, women are diagnosed with breech presentation, when the baby’s buttocks or legs are facing the entrance to the mother’s pelvis. The following types of such pathology are distinguished:

  1. Partial gluteal - the child’s buttocks are facing down, and the legs are straight at the knees and extended along the entire body.
  2. Mixed gluteal - legs bent at the knees and buttocks facing the mother's pelvis.
  3. Incomplete leg movement - the child’s legs are directed downward, one leg is completely bent at the knee, the other is not completely bent.
  4. Full leg position - both legs of the child, bent at the knees, facing the womb.
  5. Knee – the baby’s legs are not fully bent at the knees and are facing the exit of the birth canal.

Most often, breech presentation of the fetus occurs with repeated births, uterine anomalies, polyhydramnios, fetal malformation, low position or placenta previa. Some experts also highlight the underdevelopment of the vestibular apparatus in a child as a possible reason for its incorrect position in the womb.

Exercises for breech presentation of the fetus

If the incorrect position of the fetus in the womb was diagnosed at 32-34 weeks, the gynecologist may advise the woman to do special gymnastics at home. There are special complexes that help the baby roll over on his own. In order for the child to change his position, such exercises need to be done 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes.

Be sure to discuss such therapy with your gynecologist.

If special exercises do not bring the desired result, the doctor will send the woman to an external obstetric turn. This procedure is carried out only in cases where any contraindications are completely excluded. It is very important that all manipulations are carried out by a qualified doctor under full ultrasound supervision. Despite the upheaval, the baby can still return to its usual position - in such cases, the birth is carried out in a breech presentation or a caesarean section is performed. Breech presentation, diagnosed before 28 weeks, should not cause concern for a woman. If this pathology occurs, doctors prescribe therapy only at 29-37 weeks of pregnancy.

Contraindications to exercises

Despite the fact that physical exercises for turning the baby in the womb are safe, they have a number of absolute contraindications:

  1. Scars on the uterus after surgery.
  2. Late toxicosis of pregnancy.
  3. Placenta previa.
  4. Severe extragenital diseases not related to the reproductive system.
  5. Infertility or miscarriage in the past.
  6. Risk of miscarriage.
  7. Little or polyhydramnios.
  8. Hypertonicity of the uterus.

Dikan's technique

The Dikan technique is a popular method of turning a child into a cephalic presentation. It is usually used at 29-40 weeks. It is very important that all exercises are carried out in loose clothing in a well-ventilated area. Physical exercises should be repeated 3 times a day before meals. Their essence is very simple: a woman lies for 10 minutes, either on her left or on her right side. After the fetus is in the correct position, the woman is recommended to sleep and simply lie on the side that corresponds to the back of the fetus. You also need to wear a bandage at all times. This will help to enlarge the uterus in longitudinal size and reduce it in transverse size. Also, such measures will prevent the baby from turning back.

Fomicheva's technique

The Fomicheva method is a system of exercises that is widely used for breech presentation at 32-38 weeks. On average, the entire complex takes no more than 25-30 minutes and should be repeated morning and evening. It is best to do it 1-1.5 hours after eating. All exercises should be performed slowly, you need to monitor your breathing, and gradually move from simple to more complex. To perform exercises using Fomicheva’s method, you will need a mat on which you will lie on the floor and a chair with a strong back. Before you start exercising, you need to do a short warm-up for 3-4 minutes. Fomicheva’s technique includes the following exercises:

  • Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and your hands should be on your hips. When bending over, inhale; when returning to the starting position, exhale.
  • In the same position, do slight bends back, during which you inhale, returning to the starting position - exhale.
  • Stand facing the back of a chair, holding it with your hands at waist level. Inhale, alternately raising the leg bent at the knee to the side of the stomach; during the starting position, you need to exhale.
  • Take a cat pose: get on your knees and elbows. Inhaling, move one extended leg back, exhaling, return to the starting position.
  • Lie on your right side, alternately bending and straightening your left leg at the knee. Remember to alternate inhalation and exhalation. Turning over onto your left side, repeat the exercise with your right leg.
  • Lying on the floor, lift your pelvis 30-40 centimeters above the level of your head. It is very important to monitor your breathing.

After completing the complex, it is necessary to perform breathing exercises. It will help restore breathing and calm the body. The effectiveness of the technique lies in the fact that during warm-up, rhythmic contractions of the muscles of the abdomen, back and uterus occur. This reduces the length of the uterus, which helps move the baby's head in the right direction.

Methodology of Bryukhina, Grishchenko, Shulepova

This technique for changing the position of the fetus in the womb is indicated at 32-38 weeks of pregnancy. To achieve results, exercises must be repeated 4-5 times a day at least 1-1.5 before meals. The effect of this technique is that the entire load is evenly distributed throughout the body, and the abdominal muscles relax at this time. The complex of Bryukhina, Grishchenko and Shulepova looks like this:

  1. Lie on the side with the child's back facing up, and lightly press your legs bent at the knees to your stomach.
  2. Spend 5 minutes in this position, then straighten your upper leg.
  3. Take a deep breath and press your leg back towards your stomach.
  4. During exercises, try to bend your back slightly, which will give a slight push to the child.
  5. Stay in this position for 10 minutes, try not to move.
  6. Get into cat pose and spend 5-10 minutes in it.
  7. After this, the complex can be considered complete.

Although a breech position (buttocks down) is common throughout pregnancy, approximately three percent (3%) of babies remain in this position until the end of term. Such cases are called breech presentation and are at increased risk for developing certain problems, such as hip dysplasia and oxygen deprivation of the brain during childbirth. Various techniques are used to naturally turn a breech baby into a position that is favorable for birth (known as cephalic presentation). To turn a breech baby, follow these guidelines (with your doctor's approval) from 30 weeks of pregnancy onward.

Steps

Part 1

Application of exercises (from 30 to 37 weeks)

    Try a butt bend. The breech tilt is the most widely used exercise for turning a breech fetus. It helps your baby pick up his chin (known as flexion), which is the first step in rolling over.

    Do the knee to chest exercise. This exercise uses gravity to force the baby to roll over into the correct birthing position.

    Perform a rollover while bending forward ("upside down mom" exercise). This exercise is similar to the knee to chest exercise, but a little more extreme.

    Go to the pool. Swimming and doing squats and flips in the pool can help your baby roll over to a head-down position on his own. Try these exercises in the pool:

    • Squat down to the bottom of the pool at depth, then push up and reach your arms up as if you were breaking the surface of the water.
    • Simply swimming in the pool can encourage your baby to move (and it can really feel good during the last weeks of pregnancy). Front crawl and breaststroke are thought to be particularly effective for this purpose.
    • Perform front and rear flips in deep water. This will relax the muscles and make it easier for the baby to roll over on his own. If you have good balance, you can try getting into a handstand position and holding it for as long as you can hold your breath.
    • Dive. Dive into the pool while gently supporting the baby's head in the pelvic area. It is believed that weightlessness and rapid movement of water help the child to roll over on his own.
  1. Pay close attention to your posture. In addition to performing special exercises to encourage your baby to roll over, it is important to pay attention to your posture in everyday life, as this affects the baby’s movement.

    • Let us clarify that correct posture ensures the maximum available space in the uterus, so that the baby can independently turn into the correct position. For perfect posture, follow these guidelines:
    • Stand straight with your chin parallel to the floor.
    • Let your shoulders drop freely. If you stand straight and hold your chin correctly, your shoulders will naturally open up. Don't take them back.
    • Pull your stomach in. Don't stand with your stomach sticking out.
    • Tighten your buttocks. The center of gravity should be on your hips.
    • Place your feet correctly. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and distribute your weight evenly on them.

    Part 2

    The use of alternative methods (from 30 to 37 weeks)
    1. Apply hot and cold. Applying something cold to the top of your uterus and something warm to the bottom of your uterus can encourage your baby to move away from the cold sensation and towards the warm sensation, rolling over into the correct position.

      • To do this, place an ice pack or package of frozen vegetables on top of your belly, near your baby's head. Hopefully, baby will begin to shy away from the cold and turn to find a warm, more comfortable position.
      • Using an ice pack in the bath with the lower abdomen submerged in hot water is a great way to use this technique, as your baby will gravitate towards the warmth. Alternatively, you can place a heat pack or heating pad on the lower half of your abdomen.
      • This heat and cold method is completely safe and can be used as often and as long as you wish. Many women choose to use heat or cold packs on their abdomen while doing the butt bend.
    2. Use sound to get your baby to turn around. There are a couple of different ways to apply sound that rely on the baby calling the sound and thus getting into the correct position.

      • One popular way is to play music to your baby by placing headphones in the lower abdomen. You can download music online that is specially created for unborn and newborn babies - this can be either light classical music or lullaby versions of your favorite soothing melodies.
      • Alternatively, your partner could place his mouth on your lower abdomen and talk to your baby, causing him to move towards the sound of his voice. This is also a good way for your spouse to bond with your baby.
    3. See a chiropractor who is experienced in using the Webster method. The Webster Intrauterine Pressure Method - or simply the Webster Technique - was developed to restore normal pelvic balance and function and is thought to help the baby turn into the correct position on its own.

      Let's consider the cauterization method. Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese method that uses the burning of herbs to stimulate biologically active points.

    4. Try suggestion. Some women have successfully turned a breech baby with the help of a qualified hypnotist.

      • Hypnotherapy typically takes a two-pronged approach to fetal rotation. First, the mother will be put into a state of deep relaxation. This will help your pelvic muscles relax and your lower uterus to expand, helping your baby to turn.
      • Second, the mother will be asked to use visualization techniques to visualize the baby turning over in the correct way.
      • Ask your healthcare provider for the name and number of a trusted hypnotherapist in your area.