The breech birth. Maybe you've heard something about it before, maybe it's completely new to you. Either way, we're here to give you all the information you need, without the medical jargon and complicated ones. technical terms. Simply clear, understandable and above all reassuring. A breech birth can sound quite exciting at first, but with the right knowledge and preparation you don't have to worry. We will take you step by step through what exactly a breech birth entails, what options you have and what you can expect.
What is a breech birth and when does it occur
Een stuitbevalling vindt plaats wanneer de baby zich met de billen of voeten eerst in het bekken van de moeder bevindt terwijl de bevalling nadert. Dit komt voor bij ongeveer 3-4% van alle zwangerschappen op het moment van de bevalling. Het kan zorgen voor extra uitdagingen en het is belangrijk om goed geïnformeerd te zijn. Het kan verschillende oorzaken hebben, waaronder het feit dat er te weinig ruimte in de baarmoeder is voor de baby om zich te draaien, het een meerlingzwangerschap is of er een te veel vruchtwater (polyhydramnion) aanwezig is. Hoewel sommige baby’s nog kunnen draaien naar de juiste positie voor de bevalling, blijft ongeveer een derde daadwerkelijk in stuitligging. Medische professionals kunnen verschillende methoden proberen om de baby te helpen draaien, zoals de external version. This means that a doctor or midwife tries to move the baby by applying pressure to the mother's abdomen. There are also risks and benefits to having a breech birth vaginally or via a cesarean section to be carried out. This depends on various factors, such as the experience of the midwife, the health of the mother and the position of the baby.
| Cause | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Too little space | 35% |
| Multiple pregnancy | 20% |
| Polyhydramnios | 10% |
Advantages and disadvantages of a breech birth
- No surgery required
- Quick recovery
- Sense of control
- Higher chance of complications
- Possibly longer and more painful
- Higher medical care required for the baby
Preparations for a breech birth
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- Follow a special course focused on breech births.
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- Practice relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises.
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- Make sure you have a supportive network around you.
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- Prepare for different birth scenarios.
| Advantages | Cons |
|---|---|
| Better control | More intensive for the mother |
| Higher chance of natural childbirth | More medical interventions possible |
What can you expect during a breech birth?
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- Support from the midwife: they will keep a close eye on how the delivery is progressing and carry out regular checks.
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- Comfort routes: techniques such as breathing exercises and posture changes can contribute to your comfort.
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- Medical instruments: In some situations, the midwife may decide to use aids, such as a vacuum extractor.
| Stage | Points of attention | Action |
| Early stage | Regular check-up | Stay relaxed |
| Active phase | Maximum access | Follow instructions |
| Final stage | Baby positioning | Prepare for the big moment |
Recovery after a breech birth and tips for aftercare
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- Hydration: Drink enough water to support your body in recovery.
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- Power supply: Eat a balanced diet rich in protein and vegetables to boost your energy levels.
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- Peace: Plan moments of rest every day and avoid heavy exertion.
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- Support: Ask for help from friends and family for household chores and mental support.
| Recovery tip | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Breathing exercises | Reduces stress and supports recovery |
| Walkable walks | Improves blood circulation and mood |
Resume
And there you have it – everything you need to know about breech birth! We hope that this information has given you more clarity about what exactly a breech birth entails and what you should pay attention to if you encounter this. Remember that every birth is unique and it is important to be well informed and know your options. At Midwives Lelystad we are always ready to support you and answer all your questions. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to know more or need personal advice. Our team of experienced midwives is there to provide you and your baby with the best care - from the very beginning to delivery and beyond. Thank you for reading, and don't forget: you are stronger than you think!
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