Breech presentation refers to when the baby’s buttocks or feet are positioned to come out first during childbirth
With a view of understanding breech presentation you need to know the different types of breech birth presentations
Complete breech: The baby’s buttocks are pointed downward with the legs folded at the knees.
Frank breech: The baby’s buttocks are pointed at the birth canal with it’s legs pointing straight in front of his or her body.
Footling breech: The baby’s feet are pointed downward and will come before the rest of the body.
Key Facts about Breech presentation
- It occurs in 3-4% of all pregnancies.
- After having a breech delivery, the recurrence rate for a second pregnancy is 10% while the rate for a third pregnancy 27%.
- Prior cesarean delivery has been said to increase the incidence of breech presentation.
How is breech presentation diagnosed
A few weeks to the delivery date, a medical personnel will place her hands on the mother’s lower abdomen to locate the position of the baby’s head, back and buttocks.
If it is indicated that the baby may be in a breech position, an ultrasound or pelvic exam is done to confirm the position.
Causes of breech presentation
- The presence of more than one baby in the uterus may lead to breech presentation
- Presence of too much or little amniotic fluid
- Having a history of premature delivery
- When the uterus has an irregular shape
Can a breech presentation be changed
It can be changed by trying to turn the baby between the 32nd and 37th weeks of pregnancy.
EVC(External Cephalic Version) is a non surgical technique used to change the position of the baby in the uterus.
It is usually done by administering a medication to relax the uterus.
A gentle pushing on the lower abdomen is done to turn the baby into a head down position. Throughout the procedure, the heartbeat of the baby is closely monitored.
EVC has a high success rate and is usually considered if you had a previous cesarean delivery.
It may lead to complications such as:
- Placental abruption
- An increase or decrease in the baby’s heart rate
- Preterm labor
- Vaginal delivery may be attempted for breech birth if the following conditions are met.
- The baby does not show signs of distress
- The baby is in full term and in frank breech presentation
- Anesthesia is available
Complications and risks of a vaginal delivery for a breech birth
- Forceps are usually used to guide the baby’s head out of the birth canal during childbirth
- The umbilical cord may squeeze as the baby is moved out of the birth canal, as this may lead to low supply of oxygen and blood to the baby during childbirth.
- The baby’s head may be stuck during childbirth
- The baby’s bones may become dislocated
- Cesarean delivery is usually recommended by medical personnel for all babies in a breech position.
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