topic Re: Is This Common Today? in Community Chat

Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Yardlie — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 16:11:16 GMT

When I was born, I was a breech baby (butt first). No problems. My children were all normal births. My grand niece was born breech 5 months ago. She has had to wear some contraption or brace since she was about 3 months old. My SIL told me it was for preventive reasons. She just accepted it and didn't ask many questions. Now, my little niece will be going into a more sturdy type of brace. I read online that hip dysplasia is possible after breech births. Anyone ever hear of this? Thanks!

Re: Is This Common Today?

violann — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 16:12:32 GMT

I haven't heard this specifically, but from what I hear, the question of hip stability is diagnosd more carefully now than in the past.

It's easier for all concernd to diagnose and treat earlier than later.

Hope thataby grows strong and tall!

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Havarti — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 16:28:01 GMT

I thought they generally tried to turn most breech babies before delivery (some determined babies keep turning back around again). That is not to say there are no breech births anymore, but it was my understanding the goal was to get that baby turned internally and pointed in the right direction for the best possible outcome when ever possible.

Wishing all the best for your sweet grand niece.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Roni18 — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 16:43:31 GMT

I was delivered by ceasarian due to being breech. I didn't know they still tried to do normal deliveries if the baby was breech. I did read that breech births can cause problems to a baby's hip socket, so that may be the reason for the brace.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Beansey — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 16:52:28 GMT

@Yardlie@Yes I know about this. My daughter was breech ( butt first) and because she was the doctor performed a Csection. As soon as she was delivered, the doctored told me about hip dysplasia and told me she needed a "brace". Well, this actually was more like a pillow that was placed between her legs. We also did leg exercises with her. She didn't wear it too long. I do remember how concerned we were as the doctors told me we might not know if there was a problem until she walked. Thankfully there was not one.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Shelbelle — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 16:54:04 GMT

I was a breech birth back in 1952, no problems. but in recent times I think they usually just recommend a C section.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

pattypeep — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 17:09:30 GMT

In this day and age it seems that the Dr.s perform quite a few c-sections. Not sure about the breech as to the reasoning; however, my first child was breech (butt first) and was delivered by c-section in 1968. They didn't do ultrasounds back then and as I approached the delivery date with no hint of my daughter turning, my Dr. did an xray and said I was too small to deliver a baby breech and scheduled the C. She weighed almost nine pounds and there was never an issue with her hips or joints.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Yardlie — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 17:28:21 GMT

@Beansey wrote:
@Yardlie@Yes I know about this. My daughter was breech ( butt first) and because she was the doctor performed a Csection. As soon as she was delivered, the doctored told me about hip dysplasia and told me she needed a "brace". Well, this actually was more like a pillow that was placed between her legs. We also did leg exercises with her. She didn't wear it too long. I do remember how concerned we were as the doctors told me we might not know if there was a problem until she walked. Thankfully there was not one.

@Beansey... Hi! Glad your daughter is doing well. Actually, the brace that my niece has is kind of a harness that goes over her shoulders and extends down around her legs. I've only seen pictures of it. My SIL told me that all breech babies go into these things these days. Apparently, the doctor is not satisfied with it, so now she will be going into a "harder" brace of some sort. That is all my SIL told me. She just doesn't think to ask more detailed questions. My niece was delivered by C-section also. I guess it's better to treat things when they are young than let things get out of hand as they grow. Thanks for your input!

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Poodlepet2 — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 17:33:14 GMT

Not every breech needs a C-section. If the baby is in distress or mom's pelvic outlet is not wide enough, then C-section is done.

I don't have any data on this, but birth injury can occur even if the baby is head first. Shoulder dislocations, broken collar bones etc: that doesn't necessarily mean that somebody did something wrong-it happens.

Finally, it depends on how the baby is laying as to whether or not it can be turned. Turning is not uncomplicated at all-it does have a risk. I think obstetricians are being more careful than ever-as are the nurse midwives.

Poodlepet2

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Beansey — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 17:40:59 GMT

@Yardlie The brace sounds much like the one I remember. It had long straps and we called it her "parachute ". I am sure your grand niece will be just fine but you do worry with these little precious ones. Enjoy being a grand aunt!

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

CelticCrafter — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 17:45:24 GMT

My daughter was breech and the doctor was able to turn her around. She stayed that way but I needed a C-section anyway because she went into distress during labor.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

patbz — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 17:47:40 GMT

I was breach in 1943 and my son was breach in a 1988. Son was C-section and no braces or problems post birth.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Bri21 — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 18:20:20 GMT

Hip and shoulder dysplasia is common in breech births. The need for episiotomies are higher too.

Most doctors elect to do a C section if the baby is breech. Size of baby and mom matter in most instances

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

SahmIam — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 18:28:25 GMT

One of my sons had hip dysplasia in both hips: double diapers was the first thing they did immediately after the C-section. He was not breech, however.

The few women I've known who have had breech babies, all had hip dysplasia and were double diapered at birth. Some went on to braces, some did not.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

JaneMarple — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 18:48:06 GMT

My middle daughter was breech and I was told so throughout my pregnancy. I had already had a C-section from my first pregnancy so her birth was already planned. She was five weeks early but had no problems after she was born.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Yardlie — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 20:35:47 GMT

@Bri21 wrote:
Hip and shoulder dysplasia is common in breech births. The need for episiotomies are higher too.

Most doctors elect to do a C section if the baby is breech. Size of baby and mom matter in most instances

Interesting. It must have been something they have noticed over the years. My mother said she never heard of any post-birth problems after she had me breech. The doctor never mentioned anything. It's good to catch things early if they can. Thanks for posting!

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

chrystaltree — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 21:50:21 GMT

I doubt that breech births are any more common that they ever were. Female anatomy and pregnancies haven't changed. I believe with all the imaging procedures available now, a breech presentation is no longer a surprise for physicians...of the mothers. Yes, my 54 year old brother was breech. My mom always said he was wedged in, it was too late for C section and they pulled him out. He was born with hip dysplasia and under went about 10 hip surgeries before he was 25. He had a limp but did well until he was in his mid 40's and he had another hip surgery and now he lives in constant pain. It's different now, of course. Babies are still born with dysplastic hips but not all from breech births. Todays surgeries are much better than they were 50 years ago. I know that depending on the severity, they put babies in casts. If the problem is too severe or if casting didn't work, they operate.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

Yardlie — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 22:07:15 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
I doubt that breech births are any more common that they ever were. Female anatomy and pregnancies haven't changed. I believe with all the imaging procedures available now, a breech presentation is no longer a surprise for physicians...of the mothers. Yes, my 54 year old brother was breech. My mom always said he was wedged in, it was too late for C section and they pulled him out. He was born with hip dysplasia and under went about 10 hip surgeries before he was 25. He had a limp but did well until he was in his mid 40's and he had another hip surgery and now he lives in constant pain. It's different now, of course. Babies are still born with dysplastic hips but not all from breech births. Todays surgeries are much better than they were 50 years ago. I know that depending on the severity, they put babies in casts. If the problem is too severe or if casting didn't work, they operate.

@chrystaltree ... Wow...your brother really went through alot! They are talking about putting my little niece in a hard cast for awhile. Poor little thing is only 4 months old.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

lolakimono — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 22:16:50 GMT

@Yardlie

My friend had her first on May. The couldn't get him to turn, so they took her for a scheduled C-section, a week before his due date. He had to wear a brace 24-7, starting at 2-3 months. I think it has been "corrected", but of course he is not at the walking stage yet to notice any problems with his gait.

Re: Breech Births...Is This Common Today?

brewhaha — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 22:19:43 GMT

A male born by a breech birth would be a son of a breech.