The breech position of the baby is one of the barriers to normal delivery. Pregnancy exercise for breech babies is often used as a natural way to fix the baby's position into the correct position for birth. Come on, pregnant women, learn more about breech baby exercises.
Before entering 36 weeks of gestation, the baby's position will generally still change. One condition that is often experienced by some pregnant women is a breech baby. This condition is characterized by the position of the baby's head against the birth canal or even across.
The condition of a breech baby can actually be overcome, either by medical or natural means. One of the natural ways that are often used by some pregnant women is pregnancy exercise for breech babies.
Causes and Risk Factors for Breech Babies
Approaching the time of delivery, the baby's head will generally be under or down towards the birth canal. However, in some cases, the position of the baby's feet is actually down or the baby is in a transverse position. This condition is known as a breech baby.
Until now, the cause of breech babies is not known with certainty. However, breech babies are often found in mothers with the following conditions:
- History of premature birth
- Abnormal shape of the uterus or there is scar tissue in the uterus
- History of being pregnant more than once
- Pregnant with twins or more
- Placenta previa
- Too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) or too little (oligohydramnios)
Studies show that the risk of complications of breech babies born by caesarean section is lower than those born vaginally. However, the risk of complications in mothers who gave birth to a breech baby is the same, both vaginally and by caesarean section.
Therefore, pregnant women are advised to try to keep the baby's position normal by doing pregnancy exercises. This is done so that the delivery goes smoothly.
Pregnancy Exercises to Improve the Position of a Breech Baby
There are many benefits of pregnancy exercise for the physical and mental health of pregnant women. Based on research, pregnant women who are diligent in exercising will go through the process of giving birth faster than those who do not exercise during pregnancy.
Other studies have also shown that mothers who exercise regularly during pregnancy have a healthier heart. For pregnant women who desire a normal delivery, pregnancy exercises can be done to minimize the risk of using forceps or giving birth by caesarean section.
Usually, the doctor will check the position of the baby after more than 30 weeks of pregnancy through ultrasound. If during the examination it turns out that the baby is in a breech position, pregnant women can try the following pregnancy exercises:
Prostrate position
Place your knees on the mat with your legs wide apart and your buttocks lifted up. Meanwhile, the head and arms are attached to the mat so that it resembles a prostrate position. Hold this position for 15 minutes and do it at least 3 times a day.
The purpose of this breech baby exercise is to provide a wider range of motion, so that the baby can slide into the pelvis.
Hip lifting position
This movement begins in a supine position, with your knees bent and the soles of your feet touching the floor. Place both hands parallel to the side of the body. Inhale, then slowly raise your pelvis at least 30 cm high.
Hold for a moment, then lower your pelvis while exhaling. Do this movement for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day, such as before eating or when the baby is actively moving. Pregnant women can also use a pillow to prop up the pelvis.
childbirth squats (birth squats)
Start in a squatting position with your feet wider than your shoulders. Place your palms facing each other in front of your chest.
Use your elbows to hold your feet open and hold for 30 seconds. If your belly gets bigger as your pregnancy progresses, you can do it while leaning against a wall to help maintain balance.
In addition to the breech baby exercises above, some light sports such as yoga, swimming, pilates, and walking can also be an option. Do it 3 times a week for a total duration of 150 minutes, unless the doctor gives other advice.
Wear loose, breathable clothing when exercising, drink plenty of water, and don't exercise in hot weather as this can trigger extreme fatigue that may harm pregnancy.
Stop pregnancy exercise if the body feels weak, dizzy, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, back or pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or uterine contractions occur.
If pregnant women routinely do pregnancy exercises for breech babies, but the baby's position has not changed, consult a gynecologist. Doctors may recommend medical methods to treat breech babies, for example the ECV method (external cephalic version).
