Pregnancy doesn’t always go exactly to plan, especially when your baby settles into a breech position late in the third trimester. With only 3–4 % of babies breech at term, most will turn head-down naturally between weeks 32–36. But if yours doesn’t, questions swirl around safety, delivery choices, and last-minute turning techniques. That’s why we’ve invited Dr . Tan Eng Loy, a senior consultant obstetrician. He has expertise in breech management, to address your top concerns, from when to head to the hospital to whether handstands or yoga can help.
Read on to gain clarity, confidence, and guidance through your breech pregnancy journey.
Question and Answer
Question:
If baby is breech, is it more dangerous during delivery? Should I push for C-sec straight
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Breech deliveries carry more risks for both mother and baby, especially for first-time pregnancies. That’s why a planned C-section is often the safest choice if the baby remains breech at term.
However, one option to consider before delivery is External Cephalic Version (ECV)—a manual procedure done by your obstetrician around 36–37 weeks to try and turn the baby into a head-down position. It’s generally safe and successful in many cases, though not guaranteed. Your doctor will advise whether you’re a good candidate for ECV based on your pregnancy and baby’s position.
Question:
If water bag burst and baby still breech, what to do ah? Rush hospital straight away?
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Please head to the hospital right away. Breech babies are at higher risk of cord prolapse and other complications when the water breaks.
Question:
Doc, heard from friends that some people go do handstand or yoga pose to make baby turn. legit or dangerous?
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Despite popular belief, there’s no strong evidence that handstands, yoga, or spinning poses help turn a breech baby. They may be uncomfortable or even unsafe. Always speak to your doctor before trying anything.
Question:
will breech baby develop health issues later on doc?? is it true they can have hip issue. is there any treatment parents should do (to mother and babby) once the breech baby is delivered
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Most breech babies are healthy, but studies show a slightly higher risk of certain conditions. The most well-known is developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), where the hip joint doesn’t form properly. That’s why doctors often recommend a hip ultrasound after birth for breech babies.
In rare cases, breech position may be linked to underlying causes like uterine abnormalities or neurological issues, but in the vast majority of cases, breech is just a variation of normal, not a diagnosis. After delivery, your pediatrician will do the usual newborn checks and any follow-up needed.
Question:
I feel a bit traumatised by my first breech pregnancy. No history in the family nor any significant activity thay i tought could cause it… Any tips how to avoid it again doc
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
There’s unfortunately no guaranteed way to prevent breech, and it often happens without a known cause. Discuss early monitoring and the option of ECV with your doctor if baby is breech in the third trimester.
Question:
Doc, does baby being breech mean higher chance of early delivery
My sister in law is now 31 weeks pregnant, last time check with OB baby was in breech position,
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Breech babies are more commonly found in preterm births, but not always. Many breech pregnancies still go to full term. Close monitoring and follow-ups with your obstetrician helps guide the safest timing.
Question:
Doc… I have 2 questions… 1. I do work out a lot, can it cause breech position??? 2. can i still deliver my baby without c sec if baby in breech position
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Exercise doesn’t cause breech. Vaginal delivery may be possible in certain breech cases, but C-section is often recommended for safety. Another option is to consider external cephalic version (ECV). Talk to your OB about individual risks and options.
Question:
Heard got some “turning techniques” online! Like this one: safe to try at home or better let OB do?
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Many videos on social media show exercises, but evidence doesn’t support these methods. The only methods shown to be effective are ECV and possibly moxibustion done under proper supervision. Avoid DIY techniques without medical advice.
Question:
If our baby in breech position, is there any danger sign that requires us to go to hospital ASAP? what sign should we pay attention at..
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Watch for leaking fluid, bleeding, reduced movement, or sudden pain. Breech position increases some risks, so go to the hospital immediately if these occur.
Question:
I’m a bit scared of C-section… If baby breech, really no choice must go C-section? Or can I still insist on normal??
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
It depends on your situation. In some hospitals and with experienced doctors, vaginal breech delivery may be offered. Alternative, you can discuss with your doctor the option of doing an external cephalic version (ECV). ECV attempts to turn the baby head down so that a vaginal delivery can be attempted safely. But for many, a planned C-section is the safest choice. Talk openly with your obstetrician.
Question:
Doc what causes breech position can i avoid it. what are the factors i want to know. I’m pregnant @ 25 weeks
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Most breech positions at 25 weeks resolve on their own. Causes can include uterine shape, fibroids, or too much/too little fluid, but often, there’s no clear reason. It’s not something you can cause or prevent.
Question:
Hi doc, how do I know if my baby is breech ah? I in third trimester now but tummy still feel weird…
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Your doctor can check baby’s position through a physical exam and confirm it with an ultrasound. Unusual movement patterns can sometimes suggest breech, but only imaging by ultrasound can tell for sure.
Question:
I often feel a lot of kicks below my ribs… now in 29 weeks… does that mean baby head still up?
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Likely, yes. If the feet are up near your ribs, baby may still be breech. But positions can still change at this stage.
Question:
Can sleeping position affect whether baby turns or not? I always sleep on left but no change leh
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
There’s no solid evidence that sleeping position affects baby’s turning. Sleeping on the side during pregnancy is healthy overall, but won’t control baby’s position.
Question:
What signs should I look out for at home to know if something urgent happens with breech baby?
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Same as with any pregnancy: sudden pain, fluid leakage, bleeding, or reduced fetal movement. Breech adds risk to some of these signs, so seek help immediately if they occur.
Question:
My first baby also breech… now second one also like that. Is it genetic? or just bad luck?
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
There may be a slight chance of recurrence, but it’s not strongly genetic. It can happen randomly and isn’t caused by anything you did (or didn’t do)
Question:
also my friend say can go Chinese sinseh to “adjust” baby position. Is it safe?
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
It’s understandable to explore different options, but there’s no medical evidence that manual “adjustments” by traditional practitioners can safely or effectively turn a breech baby. Some methods may even be risky—especially if strong pressure is applied to the abdomen.
If you’re considering traditional therapies, speak to your obstetrician first. The only methods with scientific support for turning a breech baby are External Cephalic Version (ECV)—done by a trained doctor—and moxibustion, a traditional Chinese technique using heat at acupuncture points near the feet, which may help in some cases when done correctly.
Question:
My gynae say baby still breech at 34 weeks… Still got chance to turn or not Doc?
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Yes, some babies turn naturally by 36–37 weeks. If not, ECV may be offered to help baby turn safely. It’s currently the most evidence-based technique.
Question:
Can breech turn back to normal by itself??? Or must go massage or something?
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
Many babies do turn on their own. Massage and exercises haven’t shown strong results. The only methods with some proven benefit are ECV and, in some studies, moxibustion (a traditional Chinese therapy done at the feet under guidance).
Question:
Any food, drink, or supplements that can help baby turn?
Dr. Tan Eng Loy:
No food or supplement has been shown to help turn a breech baby. Focus on staying hydrated and healthy overall. Discuss proven options like ECV with your obstetrician.
About the Expert
Dr Tan Eng Loy, MBBS (Singapore), M Med (O&G), FRCOG (UK), is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at E K and E L Women’s Clinic. With decades of experience managing high-risk and breech pregnancies, Dr Tan combines evidence-based medicine with genuine empathy to support expecting mothers through every twist and turn of their birthing experience.
Final Thoughts
We hope Dr Tan’s answers to common breech-pregnancy questions bring reassurance and clarity during this uncertain time. Remember that while a breech position may change your delivery plan, it isn’t a prediction of doom. Most breech babies are perfectly healthy and often turn head-down on their own or with safe medical guidance.
Stay informed, maintain open communication with your obstetrician, and trust that well‑timed monitoring and care will pave the way to the safest and most empowering birth experience possible.
