What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Breech Birth
• Breech Position

What is Breech Presentation and Breech Birth? (Definition/Background Information)

• A pregnancy is referred to as breech when the baby is not in a ‘head down’ position by the 36^th week of pregnancy. The exact cause of breech presentation is unknown
• The breech presentation (also called butt down position) is common throughout pregnancy; however, it is not the ideal position for vaginal delivery
• There are three types of breech presentation:
  • Frank breech - with legs straight with feet by head and butt facing the birth canal
  • Footling breech - with one leg facing down that will be delivered first
  • Complete breech - when the legs are folded at the knee, with feet near the butt (facing down)
• Breech presentation is common in women with multiple pregnancies (multiple babies in the womb)
• Healthcare providers generally maneuver the fetus to change the position from breech to vertex (‘head down’ position)
• The prognosis of breech presentation is generally good

Who gets Breech Presentation and Breech Birth? (Age and Sex Distribution)

Breech presentation is most common in women who are pregnant with multiple babies.

What are the Risk Factors for Breech Presentation and Breech Birth? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors associated with breech position pregnancy may include:

• Multiple babies in the womb
• Women with multiple pregnancies (more than one fetus in the womb)
• Preterm labor
• The presence of an abnormally-shaped uterus
• Uterus with abnormal growths such as fibroids
• Placenta previa, when the cervix is blocked by the placenta

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Breech Presentation and Breech Birth? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of breech presentation is not known
• However a few factors, such as multiple pregnancies, abnormal uterus condition, and labor before the designated delivery period, are commonly associated with breech position or breech presentation

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Breech Presentation and Breech Birth?

Common signs and symptoms associated with breech presentation include:

• Kicking may be felt in the lower abdomen in women with breech presentation
• Upward position of fetus’ head
• Bottom of the fetus facing the birth canal

How is Breech Presentation and Breech Birth Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of breech presentation includes:

• Breech presentation is diagnosed through physical examination along with evaluation of medical history
• The diagnosis may be confirmed by an ultrasound examination of the abdomen

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Breech Presentation and Breech Birth?

Complications associated with breech presentation include:

• Birth hypoxia: Insufficient supply of oxygen to baby’s brain and other organs after birth
• Compression of umbilical cord results in obstruction of blood through the umbilical cord

How is Breech Presentation and Breech Birth Treated?

The treatment of breech presentation includes:

• The healthcare provider shall initially attempt to reverse the breech position by giving relaxation medication and then turning the baby’s head down
• The procedure of turning the baby into the correct position is referred to as external cephalic version. If the baby can be successfully turned, a normal vaginal delivery typically follows
• In some cases, vaginal delivery is possible even if the baby is still in a breech position. In these cases forceps, a special tool used to pull the baby out, will more than likely be used
• Generally, if the baby is still in breech position at the time of labor, a cesarean section will be performed. Commonly known as a C-section, this surgical procedure delivers the baby through an incision made in the mother’s lower abdomen

How can Breech Presentation and Breech Birth be Prevented?

• In some cases, breech presentation may be prevented by reducing the risk for premature birth
• Ensuring proper antenatal care is also essential to prevent complications during labor

What is the Prognosis of Breech Presentation and Breech Birth? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Breech Presentation and Breech Birth is generally good.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Breech Presentation and Breech Birth:

• Cesarean section (or C-section) is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the lower abdomen, carried down through the muscle, and then through the uterus of the mother, to deliver the baby

The following article link will help you understand the Cesarean section surgical procedure:

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/cesarean-section/