How often are babies breech?

Early in pregnancy babies will change position frequently, but as they get bigger they will settle into positions that they will stay in for longer.

At 28 weeks of pregnancy about 15% (1 in 7) babies will be breech (sitting bottom down).

By the time they are ready to be born, most babies will have moved to a head down position so that by the time labour start only 3-4% (about 1 in 30) babies will still be breech.

Do I have a choice about how my breech baby is born?

In the UK, any decision about treatment for you or your baby is your. In order to make an informed decision about what is right for you and your baby, your health professional must provide you with information about the risks and benefits of any treatment that they are offering.

If you do not wish to have your baby turned or to have a caesarean, then the NHS must provide care for a breech birth.

If you are happy to have a caesarean there are still choices that you can make about the birth.

For more information: Understanding your Options