Transverse Baby - Bells,TX

Congrats on your baby.
My son was also transverse. The Dr. did not recommend anything at all other than a C-section, however, my Douala recommended that I stay on my hands and knees and rock forward and back for SEVERAL minutes a day, several times a day...I was so terrified of a C-section that I did this for hours....but it worked. he turned and stayed turned...and I had a great vaginal delivery.
The only thing was that his cord was wrapped around his head twice, but the Dr. was great and got it up wrapped and there were no complications. He said that it was just the way it was, he did not think it was do to the fact he was transverse.
At 32 weeks the baby is small enough that he can easily turn, once he is turned it is just a matter of keeping him that way.
Good Luck, let us all know how it turns out!

I would try doing prenatal yoga...I believe it helped me. Ask the instructor for specific moves that are supposed to help the baby turn. I also hear swimmng is supposed to help. Also try to envision the baby turning and being in the proper position...power of positive thinking works! Sounds silly but I've proven it to myself many times! Acupuncture is also supposed to do the trick.I know 3 people it worked for. Last option would be manual manipulation by your dr but I think it's supposed to be knda painful.

Good luck! The baby will turn! Sending you positive thoughts! :-)

My babies didn't turn until right before labor. But, they both turned on their own. Many doctors revert to C-sections (or suctioning, etc.) because they are not taught any other way and it is more convenient. Just note, a planned c-section is better than an emergency c-section. But, you have every right to protest this decision and wait a little longer. If once you've begun contractions and aren't too far along and the baby has still not turned, then let him make that call. You won't be in labor, pushing and all that and then going in for a c-section. It will still be a calm situation. Opt for the epidural early on. That way you can be awake for a c-section if it becomes necessary. Otherwise, they will put you to sleep.

I wouldn't "schedule" a c-section. I would suggest waiting it out. I had a friend that the baby was fine all the way through and the day she went into labor, the baby had turned. Who knows, the opposite could happen for you. And if it doesn't, then you won't be surprised or scared, you'll just be informed.Good luck.

Has your ob/gyn suggested turning the baby? Understand it is very uncomfortable for you and the baby may again turn on its own. Having a c-section is not so bad and I understand you wanting to have a vaginal birth. But, if you have to have a c-section you'll be fine and they will only do it if it is what's best for the baby.

Good luck

same thing happened to me...i was worried too...so glad i had the c-section and opted for another one with my 2nd child. it's no big deal

Hi M.,

I too had a stubborn baby that liked to be sitting upright in utero. Every night when I went to bed I would play music to her. I would put the ipod ear buds way low on my belly and secure them with the waistband of my panties. It also helps if you put your hips up on some pillows so they are higher than your chest a couple of times a day and before you go to bed. I would wake up in the morning and she would be head down but by night time she would be head up again. So, I just kept playing the music in my pants and she eventually settled in head down at about 38 weeks. I also had a chiropractor on standby that would be able to turn the baby. This is a last resort though because it can be very painful and the baby could turn right back to where they were. Try the music and the tilting of the pelvis first.

Good luck.

I've had 5 c-sections and take it from me- you want to avoid a c-section as much as possible!

My first was transverse (c-section at 32 weeks) and the subsequent 3 were breech (34, 36, 37 weeks, not in labor!) I learned that babies will often not be in their final position until closer to delivery and sometimes not until mom is in labor! I also found out that you're not supposed to sit reclining (I even slept in my recliner.) So with baby #5 I sat on the floor or forward at the computer desk. I also paid attention to his position and would move him back head down (there are plenty of drs and midwifes who do gentle external versions and can teach you how to do this.) I have heard of people shining flashlights and playing music 'down there' to encourage the baby to be head down. I also wore a maternity belt from Medela to keep him head down, as my MW suggested.

I was told by all OBs there was NO WAY I'd have a head down baby. They were wrong! the spinning babies website, turning him manually, belt ect must have worked because he was head down by 36 weeks and stayed head down. Unfortunately he had placental abruption 5 weeks later and I had another c-section.

Wishing you a head down baby and a wonderful birth,
S.

Check out Ican online for more info on avoiding c-sections.

It looks like you may already have too much advice...but I had this situation w/ my second baby. Here's what I did.

I went to a chiropractor who had experience adjusting pregnant women. I got two adjustments in the last couple weeks of pregnancy. The logic for this adjustment went something like this: the baby is not comfortable head down and facing the back b/c my sacrum was twisted just enough to poke him in the face; a sacrum straightened by adjustment leaves a more comfortable place for the baby to nestle down.

I was also advised never to sit in a reclining position: either lie down or sit up straight w/ both feet on the ground, back straight.

I did lots of cat stretches like the other ladies suggested. I also did the version of that stretch where you extend your arms out along the the floor and leave your butt up in the air (very ladylike ;o).

I also did piriformis stretches (rec'd by chiro for hip pain): sitting on a chair I placed one ankle on the opposite knee and leaned forward while keeping my back straight. I held each stretch for a 25 count and then switched legs for 3 sets per day.

I don't know which thing or combo of things worked, but I was trying to turn the baby and avoid a Occiput Posterior birth (as w/ firstborn) and the baby came out face down and head first, just the way they are supposed to. I DO know that I got overwhelmed by the list of things I couldn't do/had to do every day...esp w/ preg hormones etc. I was pretty discouraged and frustrated and afraid of needing a c-section etc. Keeping your attitude light is really hard, but probably as important as any other proactive things you try :). If you Dr. is stressing you about scheduling a section, you could try to negotiate an extra week of time, but putting it on the calendar doesn't mean you are going to have a c-section. :)

Most babies do finally turn, so your chances are good. Best of luck to you!!!

Emily

Most of the advice is great! I had a breech baby until 39 weeks. I did some of the tricks on the spinningbabies website. I did the swimming stuff, hands and knees, but I now SWEAR by the chiropractor! I was very worried as well, and everyone kept telling me to wait because the baby would flip on his own, but I am pretty impatient. I wanted to do something right away, so I checked into chiropractors in my area who specialize in pregnancy: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/chiropra... I am not sure which of the tricks helped flip the baby, but the chiropractor definitely didn't hurt and I felt GREAT after seeing one. The end result? I had a completely natural baby with no complications whatsoever! Good Luck to you!

M.,
I contacted two different accupuncturists who are quite good in their field. Alighta sent me a note to have you call her and the two of you can talk about how she can help you. Alighta's phone number is ###-###-####. She is located near Koenig and Burnet Road.
The second accupuncturist recommends you call Zeng Zeng at "the Academy of Oriental Medicin at Austin" in the professional clinic. She specializes in Gynecology and she can do this procedure. Its commonly done, no big deal.

I wish you well.

There are also two chiropractors who say they are qualified to support you during pregnancy:

1. Eric Krebs – D.C., FICPA, CACCP, DACCP, Webster Certified
3532 Bee Caves Road, Suite 102
Austin, TX 78746
###-###-####
www.chiropractic4kidz.com
____@____.com

2 Dr. Andrea Luise-Williams
1213 Ranch Road 620 South Ste 203
Austin, TX 78734
###-###-####
www.lakewayspine.com
____@____.com

A little about me: I am a first time grandmother and I work in the area of holistic health.

Hi M.-

I don't have any advice for you but I can tell you that my baby turned at 34 weeks and stayed in the head down position until he was delivered at 41 weeks. My sister's OB turned her baby for her (I'm not sure how far along she was at the time) but after nearly 24 hours of labor she did have a c-section after all. Talk to your doctor about your options but if you do end up needing a c-section don't panic. I know it's not what you want, but it will be ok and in the end you'll have your precious little baby!

Good Luck,
K.

Hopefully you aren't overwhelmed with all the different ideas! Mostly they all seem to offer similar advice of trying to relax and let go of worries. I would encourage you to ask to wait until at least 40 wks if you get no results before.
You might try resting on your back, feet planted on the floor (or bed). Place enough pillows under your lower back and hips to put your body in an even slant. This helped my 7th child turn to a proper delivery position.
Best of luck. Enjoy your baby!!!

I want to stress that the doctor should give you until week 40 before scheduling a c-section. Make sure your doctor explains to you the benefits of having a c-section done at 37 weeks vs 40 weeks. If you end up having one anyway, why not give your baby more time to turn? I know mothers that had their babies wait to turn until labor started. Having had a c-section, I agree it is something I do not wish for again. That said, you need to do what is right for you and your baby.

I have heard about people going to a chiropractor and having acupuncture for help with turning the baby. There is also an exercise that is supposed to help. You get on your hands and knees and let your belly hang. Then you rock your hips so your back is flat, then roll them back to where your belly is hanging again. Do them in sets of 10. Start with 10 and work up from there.

Good luck!

Just one more piece of hope for you: My little guy, now two and sitting on my lap, was transverse until 39 weeks. He flipped on his own. The doctor said I would feel him turn, but I never did. I agree with the others - give it time and do those cat back-arching exercises. Best wishes.

Our family chiropractor can help! He is awesome, no pain and no risk to mom or baby. It is awesome. Dr Mahan at Discover chiropractic. ###-###-####. Good Luck & Congrats!

I don't know about transverse babies, but two of mine were breach up until 38 weeks. The doctor performed a procedure in the hospital where she just manipulated the baby from the outside by pushing on my stomach and they turned around. It only took about 5 minutes and was successful both times, no c-section necessary. It really was quick and painless - the only thing is they give you some medication to try to keep you from going into labor which made me short of breath. Not great, but better than the alternative. You also have to stay and be monitored for a couple of hours after. Check to see if this is an option for you,

I had the same problem with my daughter.
My doctor told me to get on my knees and elbow(s) and rub my belly. It didn't work. I had to have a C-section 3 days early.

Acupuncture works very successfully for turning babies. My midwife thought my baby transverse baby had turned, so I didn't try it. In retrospect I wish I had had an ultrasound late in my pregnancy to confirm the baby's position so that I would have known she was still breech and I could have tried some turning methods. We had a homebirth planned and had to transfer to the hospital after 16 hours of labor at home (@ 5 cm dilated and 100% effaced) for a c-section because of the surprise breech. There are some doctors and midwives who are really skilled at doing external cephalic versions, in which they attempt to manually turn the baby from the outside while carefully monitoring the baby (heartbeat) for any signs of stress. I can give you the name of my acupuncturist if you need a referral. C-sections are much more risky for both mama and baby and really affect your recovery time (both length and quality of recovery) so I strongly suggest you be proactive and try to turn the baby if at all possible, to avoid a c-section.

Hi,
Here are a couple of links:
http://www.spinningbabies.com/ (this website talks about how to get optimal fetal positioning)
http://mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_prepa... (this article sites research showing that acupuncture can help turn a baby).

My doula last time told me to do the hands and knees thing whenever I felt the baby moving. I think that helps with which direction the baby is facing (so you don't have back labor), but I'm not sure about the transverse thing. I would also try looking in some books (maybe Dr. Sears or Birthing From Within. They might have suggestions).

Good luck! I agree that you should give it longer than 37 weeks. My husband was breech until hours before his birth when he flipped into the right position. Even if your baby doesn't flip. There is research showing that it is good for a baby to experience labor. Doctor's don't like doing it this way because they like to have schedules (don't we all), and because then they have to stop your labor to do the cesarean birth, but you might still decide it's worth it. It could be worth discussing with your doctor anyway.

You can get down on your hands and knees and let your belly hang down. That kind of gives the baby more room to move around. My son's head was stuck in my rib cage and hips were stuck in my pelvis. He ended up with torticollis and lop-sided head and a hip dysplasia (which even resolved left him uninsurable). They all resolved by six months. We had to do stretching exercises with every diaper change for a while and almost needed a helmet for plagiocephaly (lop-sided head). We had to pay attention to his positioning and it resolved mostly. Didn't need the helmet, but you can still see a little indention on his left forehead. His ears lined back up, though. After the fact, I wished I had been instructed to get on my hands and knees to help him get out or stay out of my ribs and pelvis. A C-section is tolerable, especially when it's best for the baby.

First, sounds like your doctor's already counting the spare change they'll get from performing a c-section PREMATURELY. Second, many babies don't turn until 38-40 weeks--because they're smarter than doctors. Third, if by week 38, baby's still not in position--find a chiropractor to do a very SIMPLE, Non-INVASIVE, HIGHLY EFFECTIVE turning technique which relaxes the uterus enough for gravity to encourage the head-down position. It's painless and completely harmless to both baby and mother and saves you both from the potentially deadly outcome of unnecessary c-section. (research suggests that c-section {aka major abdominal surgery} doubles the risk of maternal death and triples the risk of infant death...something the surgeons ususally don't discuss when they jump to do a section prematurely.)Far too many c-sections that are not needed are being performed--be your baby's advocate and start with conservative measures FIRST. If you need help finding the right doctor of chiropractic, let me know and I can help you.

have you checked out www.spinningbabies.com? It is a great resource. There are many chiropracters you can see that specialize in moving babies. I recommend doing a plank position for 10-15 minutes a couple of times a day. did your doctor recommend any yechniques to move the baby? getting your pelvis open will help baby right itself. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance with additional information. ____@____.com

Not that you don't have enough responses already but you can either have the doc do a cephalic version which can be painful. Or the other less painful method is chasing. Chase baby's head with frozen veggies to direct his head down. It's one of those little bit at a time tricks. I would also ask the doc why he has such an issue with breech baby. Midwives have been delivering them bottom first for decades.

www.plus-size-pregnancy.org (helpful for any size woman)
www.spinningbabies.com (baby/belly "mapping")
www.ican-online.org (tons of research,"white papers", links)

M., I hope you find helpful info. at these websites like I have. I didn't know anything other than what my OB's told me until baby #4 two years ago, and then I followed the advice found at these websites and finally enjoyed an easy vaginal birth. I second going to a chiro certified in the Webster technique (pay out of pocket if you have to, and go 1-2x per week starting soon). You're smart to ask questions and look for help, and you'll find a TON of help outside of the mainstream, average, defensive-medicine-practicing OB's office. One more thing, if your son were to remain transverse at 40+ weeks it still doesn't mean he has to be a c-section to come out safely. So much can happen that you don't know right now, but you are awesome! because you're doing everything you can now for your baby and your body!!! Best of everything to you!

Hi M.--you can most certainly assist your baby to turn by having an external version. Most MD's won't even try, because c/s is too easy for them! However, it's not all that easy for you, especially if it can be avoided.

Please call me at my birth center ###-###-#### or my cell ###-###-#### for more info about this situation, and other midwifery info to reduce c/s rates and risk.
thanks, Kathy

Hi M.,
Don't panic,my 2nd child would not turn and the doctor tried to turn her the week before my water broke and it was such a painful experience that I had so many bruises and the pain was more excruitiating than having the baby natural like my first. My daughter ended up being a c-sect baby but she now tells everybody that the reason she would not turn in mommies tummy was she wanted to be closer to my heart. She thinks it's pretty cool that mommy has a scar because she is the only one that came out that way. I know that may sound kinda crazy but babies just come however they want too and we just need to be patient and accept that no matter what the pain we go through for them is so mild in comparison of what joy they will bring to us. Good luck. Enjoy this time talking and singing to your baby and they will feel it and really bond with you before they are even born.

My baby was breech at 34 weeks and I spent three weeks trying EVERYTHING. I went to spinning babies, tried moxa (burning of herbs at pressure points), yoga (which I've done since 10 weeks preggers), frozen peas and heating pads, lying upside down on a 45-degree angled ironing board, swimming, etc. Nothing worked so yesterday, at 37 weeks, my doctor performed an external version at the hospital which was successful. Was it a bit uncomfortable? Sure. But it gave me a chance to practice my pain coping skills. And it was worth it! I am only slightly sore and it was nothing I wouldn't try again. So go for all of the suggested things to turn him on your own and then do the external version if that doesn't work. It just might. Now let's hope my little one STAYS head down. Good luck to you! There's no reason that I know of that you can't wait until after 37 weeks either. Seems your doc has an itchy C-section finger.

Why is your doctor threatening & scaring you? Bizarre. Information, alternative choices and suppport would be so much better. What magically happens at 37 weeks? You realistically have up to 42 weeks.

Look at www.spinningbabies.com for some ideas on positions you can take to help baby turn around.

If you ultimately need a c-section, you will survive it but don't get one pre-emptively. You need to know in your heart that the c-section was necessary. Do some reading and see what you feel comfortable trying. If it works, great, if not, be a peace about it all.

Blessings and positive thoughts for a head down baby.

Babies can turn at any point...even after labor starts! So, what, he will make you schedule a c-section even if the baby turns? Did he even dicuss an external version? Not comfortable from what I understand, but a heck of a lot better than recovery from abdominal surgery!

Have you tried (willing to try)any of the alternative methods?

Pelvic tilts (google breech tilt)

accupunture

chiropractic adjustment (with an experienced practioner in the webster technique--try total bodywork in webster)

http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/article.cfm/turni...

spend time each day on your hands/elbows and knees--it can take some of the pressure off the ligaments and muscles and give your baby more room to move around

Good luck!