ABOUT THIS EPISODE
What does it actually mean if your baby is breech, and how does it affect your delivery options? In this episode, L&D nurse Sydney and OBGYN Dr. Meghan break down breech in a clear, supportive way, covering why some babies don’t turn head-down, how common it is, and what can happen as you approach delivery. They walk through the different types of breech positions, whether babies can still turn late in pregnancy, and what to know about procedures like external cephalic version (ECV).
Whether you’re pregnant, planning your birth, or just want to understand your options better, this episode offers evidence-based insight grounded in real clinical experience.
Breech Birth Episode — Key References
Term Breech Trial & Subsequent Debate
• Hannah ME et al. Planned Caesarean Section vs Planned Vaginal Birth for Breech Presentation at Term (Term Breech Trial). Lancet, 2000.
• Hofmeyr GJ et al. Planned Caesarean Section for Term Breech Delivery. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015.
• Joseph KS et al. Once More Unto the Breech: Planned Vaginal vs Planned Cesarean Delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2015.
Outcomes With Strict Selection Criteria & Dedicated Breech Programs
• Devold Pay AS et al. Establishing a Dedicated Breech Clinic: Effect on Vaginal Breech Birth Rates and Neonatal Outcomes. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 2020.
• Goffinet F et al. (PREMODA Study Group). Is Planned Vaginal Delivery for Breech Presentation at Term Still an Option? American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2006.
Training & Simulation for Breech Skills
• Deering S et al. Simulation Training and Resident Performance of Singleton Vaginal Breech Delivery.Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2006.
• Yang L & Bisits A. 360° VR Video and Simulation Models for Teaching Breech Birth. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 2025.
• Farin A et al. Simulation Training for Upright Breech Delivery. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 2023.
Population-Level Outcome Studies
• Ekéus C et al. Vaginal Breech Delivery at Term and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality (Swedish Cohort).Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2019.
• Lyons J et al. Delivery of Breech Presentation at Term in Canada (2003–2011). Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2015.
• Schafer R et al. Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Planned Community Breech Births in the US. PLOS One, 2024.
• Sorensen HA et al. Breech Delivery in Low-Income Settings: Systematic Review of Vaginal vs Cesarean Outcomes. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2023.
Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Sentilhes L et al. Breech Presentation: Clinical Practice Guidelines from the French College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF). EJOGRB, 2020.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Mode of Term Singleton Breech Delivery. Committee Opinion No. 745, 2018.
• Kotaska A et al. Vaginal Delivery of Breech Presentation. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 2009.
