Turning the baby into the birthing position: Indian bridge
The Indian bridge is used if your baby has not yet turned into the correct birth position by the 32nd week of pregnancy. You can find out how to use this exercise and what successes it shows here.
What is the Indian Bridge?
If your baby is still in the breech position in the 32nd week of pregnancy and you and your doctor do not yet want to resort to the so-called “ external turn ”, you can still try some alternative methods such as moxibustion, light turning or haptonomy . However, one of the most common alternative methods is the so-called Indian bridge. It is an exercise in which the abdomen and pelvis are elevated. Arms and head should be as relaxed as possible and the lower legs should be bent and hanging downwards. This position creates a pronounced hollow back. This position is very uncomfortable for you and your baby and should cause your baby to roll over on its own.
How does the Indian Bridge work?
For the Indian bridge, it is best to elevate the pelvis for 15 minutes twice a day. To do this, lie flat on the floor and place two thick pillows under your pelvis to support it. Place your lower legs on the seat of a chair.
The exercise can also be carried out with the help of your partner: lie flat on the floor. Your partner kneels in front of you. Now slide your butt all the way to your partner’s stomach so that your pelvis is tilted up by his thighs. Place your lower legs on your partner’s shoulders.
During the Indian Bridge, stay relaxed and breathe in and out calmly. If you feel like your baby has turned, then of course you shouldn’t continue.
How successful is the Indian Bridge?
Unfortunately, the Indian Bridge cannot guarantee that your child will turn from the breech position to the head position. If the gentle turn does not work, this can also be due to anatomical peculiarities such as an anterior placenta wall , a short umbilical cord, a narrowed pelvis or the size of the child.
Also, unlike the external approach, there are no clinical studies that have examined the effectiveness of this method. However, it has been proven that the success rate of alternative methods is well below the chances of success of the outer twists. As a rule, however, the use of the Indian bridge cannot do any harm. So if you feel comfortable with it, feel free to try it out. However, it is better to discuss your plans with your doctor or midwife beforehand.