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Is there any benefit to letting labor start naturally with a breech?

I'm 38 week pregnant and my midwife and doctor have both said I must have a C-section unless the baby turns which is not likely. The doctor wants to schedule it now but I wonder if there is some benefit to at least starting my labor naturally and then having the surgery when things heat up or it seems close to delivery time. I mean aren't the hormones in labor supposed to help with breastfeeding and bonding and such?

MissMolly asked in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report

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3 Answers

  • 174476_606640934_1043869_n_small
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    stledb

    Yes, there is benefit to letting labor start naturally. Primarily, it is hormones given by the baby that begin the labor process. Maybe your baby will be ready at 39 weeks, but maybe not until 42. However long that takes, that is how long your baby needed to bake. The hormonal interplay is complex and important and if it interests you, you should consider letting it go as naturally as you want.

    Also, having a breech baby doesn't mean that your uterus is going to explode when you go into labor. All it means is that there are increased risks of complications during the vaginal delivery and that care providers today aren't trained on how to deliver them properly because insurance companies discourage the practice in hopes of keeping rates down.

    In the end, discuss it with your caregiver. If it is more important to you to know the doctor who will perform the surgery, then schedule. If you want to keep things as natural as possible for you and baby up until the end, then let labor start. Good luck!

    stledb answered in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report
    1 comment by RacerX…
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    I had a c-section at 39 weeks because my daughter was breech. They tried 3 very very painful times to turn her with no success. I have to say that having a planned c-section is much easier on your body than having one when your already in labor. My recovery was so easy, I was at the grocery store 5 days after she was born, and walking around lincoln park 8 days later. Plus a planned c-section is safer. Your doctor won't be coming off a night of call and everyone will be able to take their time getting surgery ready and not be rushed. I was very scared to have c-section but it wasn't that bad and I don't even plan on trying for VBAC with future babies.

    Amandaeg answered in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Botero100_small
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    I have zero medical training or personal experience in this area, but I know that there is a technique in traditional Chinese medicine that can get a breech baby to turn. They usually do it a little earlier (32-36 weeks) but it might still be worth looking into. It's painless and non-invasive, so you don't have much to lose.

    Your doctor or your midwife should be able to refer you to an acupuncturist who does pre-natal care. If not, Google you'll get quite a few local TCM practitioners who may be able to help, or refer you.

    Good luck!

    marymc answered in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report
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