Breech exercises
Swimming
Yoga positions
Chiropractic Webster Technique
Some women choose to explore specific exercises to try and turn their breech baby before an ECV is done (or in place of an ECV). They may combine these with
natural or alternative therapies or chiropractic treatments. Some women find these work well, others find them unhelpful. In some cases, the baby may have turned on their own anyway. There have only been a few small studies on this to date with inconclusive results. You may wish to discuss using these exercises with your caregiver.
It is generally recommended that women refrain from using exercises or
natural or alternative therapies until at least 33 to 34 weeks of pregnancy, as it can be normal for a baby to be in a breech position up until this time. They will often turn on their own without help. Speak with your caregiver about when they would plan to do an ECV if the baby remains breech and perhaps start the exercises and/or natural therapies one or two weeks before this date. It may be wise to have an ultrasound first, to rule out complications that could mean turning the baby would not be recommended. It would also confirm that your baby is indeed in a breech position - You don't need to be encouraging the baby to turn the wrong way!
If you think your baby has moved, try and organise with your caregiver to check the position of the baby so you can stop your baby-turning therapies.
Breech exercises
There are 2 postural exercises commonly recommended to turn breech babies into a head down position. Both positions use gravity, encouraging the baby's bottom to move up and out of their mother's pelvis and relax her belly to help the baby move. Choose the exercise you feel most comfortable with, otherwise you will be reluctant to persevere. The positions are:
The knee chest position.