Breech Babies:
How Physical Therapy Can Help Create Space for Baby to Turn
Understanding Breech Position
A breech position means your baby is sitting upright, bum down, head up. Instead of the ideal head-down position for a vaginal delivery. While this is common earlier in pregnancy (affecting up to 25% of babies by the end of the second trimester), only 3–4% remain breech by the time labor nears.
So, what causes some babies to not flip head-down?
Often, it comes down to space.
The soft tissues such as ligaments, muscles, and bones surrounding the uterus play a vital role in how much room your baby has to move. When those structures are tight or imbalanced, they can restrict your baby’s ability to turn. At Empower Movement, we’re not “flipping” babies we’re simply creating the space for them to do what they’re naturally wired to do.
Think of it like trying to move everything from a spacious four-bedroom house into a studio apartment it’s cramped, chaotic, and uncomfortable. Our job is to help your body feel like the roomy house again, giving your baby space to stretch, shift, and settle head-down.
How Empower Movement PT Helps Breech Babies Turn
At Empower Movement, we use hands-on, targeted techniques to help release the restrictions preventing your baby from flipping. Our goal isn’t to force anything but to create space in your body so your baby can do what babies are designed to do: move into position. Here’s how we support you:
Pelvic & Rib Cage Alignment
We assess and treat the rib cage, spine, and pelvis to ensure your body is balanced, flexible, and moving as a unit. Imbalances here often create the asymmetrical tension that restricts baby’s movement.
Round Ligament & Abdominal Release
We use gentle manual therapy to improve mobility of the round ligament and rebalance abdominal tension, helping create a more supportive environment for baby.
Pelvic Floor & Gluteal Muscle Work
We address tightness in the glutes, deep rotators, and pelvic floor to allow more "give" in the lower pelvis—making it easier for baby to turn head-down and settle into position.
Postural Coaching for Standing, Sitting, Sleeping
We teach you how to support alignment throughout your day—because how you sit, stand, and sleep can either help or hinder your baby’s ability to rotate.
Common Causes of Space Restriction:
Tight Uterine Ligaments – Uneven tension in the round, broad, or uterosacral ligaments can twist or pull the uterus out of alignment.
Abdominal Muscle Imbalance – Overly tight abdominals (often in first pregnancies) or elongated muscles (common in later pregnancies) can disrupt the optimal shape and mobility of the uterus.
Rib Cage Restrictions – Tension between the ribs or asymmetry in the rib cage can limit upper uterine space.
Glute & Deep Hip Tension – Clenched glutes or tight hip rotators reduce pelvic mobility and can limit pelvic floor give, which is necessary for baby to move down.
Why This Matters
Our approach is about facilitating natural movement, not forcing outcomes. By creating more space, increasing blood flow, and reducing tension, we’re giving your baby the best chance to move into the ideal position—while helping you feel better, too.
From Our Mamas:
"I came in with a breech baby and left feeling confident and aligned. My baby turned—and I had a smooth, empowered labor. I credit Empower Movement for helping me create the space she needed."
—Anna B.
Don’t Wait and Wonder.
Create the Space Now.
Whether you're 30 weeks or 36, it's not too late to start. But the earlier we begin, the easier it can be. Our team is here to help your body and your baby find optimal alignment before labor begins.