Helping a Breech Baby Turn: Timing and Safe Strategies
Sometimes, during a routine ultrasound or prenatal check, you might learn that your baby is breech, meaning their bottom or feet are positioned to come out first. While this is completely normal, especially earlier in pregnancy, there are safe strategies and timing considerations that can help encourage your baby to move into a head-down position before birth.
When Babies Typically Turn
Most babies naturally move into a head-down (vertex) position before birth, but the timing can vary:
Before 28 weeks: Breech positions are common; babies have plenty of room to move and turn (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], 2022).
28–32 weeks: Many babies begin settling head-down, though some remain breech without concern.
32–36 weeks: Most babies flip during this period. By 36 weeks, about 90–95% of babies are head-down (ACOG, 2022; Hofmeyr et al., 2015).
After 36 weeks: Spontaneous turning becomes less likely, and breech presentation at term occurs in about 3–4% of pregnancies.
Factors that can influence turning:
Amniotic fluid volume (low fluid may reduce movement)
Placenta location (anterior placenta may limit space)
Uterine shape or multiple pregnancies
Baby’s activity level and size
Safe Strategies That May Encourage Baby to Turn
While no method guarantees a turn, combining gentle at-home techniques with medical options can help. Always discuss these with your healthcare provider.
1. External Cephalic Version (ECV)
Usually done after 36–37 weeks, performed by a trained provider, using gentle pressure to guide the baby into a head-down position.
Success rates: 50–60% (Hofmeyr et al., 2015).
Risks: low, though fetal heart rate changes may occur; monitoring is standard.
2. Maternal Positioning Exercises
Gentle positions and movements may encourage baby to turn:
Forward-leaning inversion: Kneel on a couch or bed, rest on forearms, hips raised, hold 30–60 seconds, a few times daily.
Knee-chest position: Kneel and lower your chest to the floor while keeping hips elevated.
Pelvic tilts or gentle rocking: Give baby room to shift.
Evidence is limited but suggests small benefits for spontaneous version before 36 weeks (Coyle et al., 2005).
3. Chiropractic Care (Webster Technique)
Chiropractors trained in this technique work to align the pelvis and reduce uterine tension, which may create space for the baby to turn.
Observational studies report fetal turning in up to 82% of cases, though controlled trials are limited (Buchanan et al., 2010).
4. Acupuncture & Moxibustion
Moxibustion applies gentle heat to a specific acupuncture point on the little toe (BL67), sometimes combined with acupuncture.
Randomized trials show higher rates of cephalic version when used before 36 weeks (Kotikula et al., 2018).
5. Gentle Movement & Visualization
Daily walking, prenatal yoga, and light activity support fetal mobility.
Visualization combined with gentle belly massage may help parents feel connected and possibly encourage movement. Evidence is mostly anecdotal but considered safe.
Key Safety Tips
Always consult your OB/GYN or midwife before trying any turning methods.
Avoid aggressive maneuvers.
Trust your care team—they are there to keep both you and your baby safe.
Bottom Line
Many babies turn naturally between 32–36 weeks, so a breech position in the late second or early third trimester is common. Combining gentle positioning, movement, complementary therapies, or medical procedures when appropriate can increase the chances of a head-down birth. Being informed, proactive, and supported is key.
References
Hofmeyr GJ, et al. External cephalic version for breech presentation at term. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;CD000083.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Practice Bulletin: Breech Presentation. 2022.
Coyle J, et al. Maternal posture for breech presentation. Birth. 2005;32(2):123–129.
Buchanan SL, et al. Chiropractic care and fetal position: Observational evidence for the Webster technique. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2010;33(2):140–145.
Kotikula A, et al. Moxibustion for breech presentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2018;38:60–66.