{"id":30270,"date":"2026-06-19T09:43:03","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T07:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/verloskundigenamsterdamzuid.nl\/?p=30270"},"modified":"2026-06-19T09:48:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T07:48:56","slug":"external-cephalic-version-what-if-your-baby-is-breech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/verloskundigenamsterdamzuid.nl\/en\/news\/external-cephalic-version-what-if-your-baby-is-breech\/","title":{"rendered":"External cephalic version: what if your baby is breech?"},"content":{"rendered":"

External cephalic version: what if your baby is breech?<\/h1>\n

What does an external cephalic version mean and what can you expect?<\/h2>\n

You\u2019re in the final trimester of your pregnancy and are probably already thinking about the birth. But then you hear that your baby is in a breech position. And suddenly you\u2019re faced with the question: do you go for an external cephalic version or not? That can take some getting used to, and you\u2019ll naturally want to know more about such a version. We\u2019ll explain it to you \u2013 in our midwifery practice in Amsterdam if you come and see us, or here, online, in this blog. And if you still have questions afterwards? Let us know, we\u2019re here for you.<\/p>\n

Get in touch<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

What is an external cephalic version?<\/h2>\n

An external cephalic version is an attempt to turn your baby from the outside into a head-down position. This is performed by a specialised midwife or gynaecologist and usually takes place around 35 or 36 weeks of pregnancy. If you\u2019ve given birth before, it can sometimes be done a little later in the pregnancy. The aim of an external cephalic version is to move your baby from a breech position into a head-down position, since that is the most favourable position for a vaginal birth.<\/p>\n

What is a breech presentation?<\/h2>\n

Towards the end of pregnancy, most babies lie head-down. But in around 4% of cases, that isn\u2019t so. The baby then lies bottom-down, known as a breech presentation. Sometimes a baby lies transversely. Why this happens is usually unclear. But know that it isn\u2019t an abnormality \u2013 it\u2019s simply a different position.<\/p>\n

How does a version take place?<\/h2>\n

During an external cephalic version, a specialised midwife or gynaecologist gently guides your baby using their hands on your belly. This usually happens as follows:<\/p>\n