Does external cephalic version treat breech baby?

During external cephalic version, an obstetric clinician places their hands on the abdomen and applies controlled pressure to encourage the baby to rotate. Ultrasound and fetal heart monitoring are commonly used around the procedure. It is offered only when the pregnancy and placenta position make it suitable.

Turning the baby may change the available birth options, but the baby can sometimes return to a breech position or remain breech. A breech position does not mean the baby is unwell; it describes how the baby is positioned for birth.

Discuss the procedure with your maternity team when breech presentation is identified. Ask about timing, examination findings, pain relief, monitoring, and alternatives if the attempt is not suitable or does not turn the baby.

The procedure should take place where you and the baby can be monitored and where urgent obstetric care is available if needed. Follow the specific preparation instructions from your team.

After the procedure, contact your maternity unit promptly for vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, painful regular contractions, severe abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement. Your team will tell you which symptoms require immediate attendance.

Ask whether external cephalic version is appropriate for your pregnancy, how the baby and placenta will be checked, what you may feel during it, and what birth plan applies if the baby stays breech.