Video Demonstrates Technique for Turning Breech Babies Around [NSFW]

While the term “breech” is well-known in the pregnancy world, only 3 to 4 percent of babies are actually in the breech position during their last weeks in utero, meaning their bottoms or feet are in position to come out first during birth, rather than their heads. So the chances that you’ll need the procedure demonstrated in the video below are very low. It’s jarring to watch, it looks rather uncomfortable—and it’s totally amazing.

Mom-to-be Vanessa Fisher shared a video of her doctor performing an external cephalic version (ECV) on her breech baby at 38 weeks. Fisher explains they tried other methods to turn the baby necessary, but ultimately, their goal was “to avoid a cesarean section by any means possible.” Typically, breech babies are delivered via c-section.

During the ECV, the physician, Dr. Cummings, uses his hands to firmly apply pressure to Fisher’s abdomen to coax the baby to turn into a head-down position. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ECVs are often suggested between 36 weeks and 38 weeks (baby may turn on his own before then), and are successful more than half of the time. In this case, the baby successfully flipped.

So when aren’t ECVs recommended? If you’re expecting twins, have placental abnormalities, or if there are concerns about the health of the fetus. And even when they are performed, they come with a few risks:

• Premature membrane rupture

• Placental abruption

• Changes in baby’s heart rate

• Preterm labor

Because of those last two, in particular, the baby’s heart rate is monitored the whole time, and the procedure is stopped if any complications arise. However, it is usually performed near a delivery room in case an emergency c-section is needed.

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