How effective is caesarean section for breech baby?

In a breech presentation, the baby's bottom or feet are positioned to come first rather than the head. A caesarean birth avoids the baby travelling through the birth canal in that position and may be recommended when vaginal breech birth is not suitable or when the baby remains breech near birth.

Position can change during pregnancy. Your team may discuss an attempt to turn the baby, a planned caesarean or, in selected circumstances, a vaginal breech birth. The choice considers the baby's position, placenta, previous births, labour status and the availability of a team experienced in the chosen approach.

Ask when your baby's position will be checked again and what would change the plan. If a caesarean is scheduled, discuss anaesthesia, medicines, recovery, feeding support and what happens if labour or your waters start beforehand.

You can review the procedure and preparation on the Caesarean Section page.

Contact your maternity unit urgently if you have regular contractions, your waters break, vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movement or severe abdominal pain. With a breech baby, early assessment helps the team confirm position and choose a safe response to labour or membrane rupture.

Ask what type of breech position your baby has, whether turning is suitable, and why a caesarean is or is not advised. Clarify the planned timing, warning signs that require immediate attendance, and how an unexpected labour would be managed.