Breech Presentation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Breech Presentation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Article
Focused Health Topics
Contributed byAlexander Enabnit+2 moreJul 10, 2023

Introduction:

Breech presentation is a type of abnormal fetal presentation in which the baby's buttocks or feet are positioned to be delivered first. Breech presentation can cause complications during delivery and may increase the risk of injury to the baby. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for breech presentation.

Causes:

The exact cause of breech presentation is unknown, but some factors that may increase the likelihood of a breech presentation include:

  • Premature birth
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Low amniotic fluid levels
  • Abnormalities in the shape or size of the uterus
  • Placenta previa (a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix)
  • Fetal abnormalities or conditions

Symptoms:

The symptoms of breech presentation may include:

  • A noticeable difference in the shape of the mother's belly
  • Difficulty breathing or discomfort for the mother due to the baby's position
  • Fetal heart rate abnormalities

Diagnosis:

Breech presentation can often be diagnosed during a routine prenatal exam, but additional testing may be needed to confirm the position of the baby. These tests may include:

  • Ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the baby in the uterus
  • Pelvic exam: A physical exam performed by a healthcare provider to assess the position of the baby in the uterus

Treatment:

The treatment options for breech presentation may include:

  • External cephalic version (ECV): A procedure in which a healthcare provider manually tries to turn the baby from a breech to a head-down position
  • Vaginal delivery: In some cases, a breech presentation may be delivered vaginally with the assistance of a skilled healthcare provider
  • Cesarean delivery: If a vaginal delivery is not possible or considered too risky, a cesarean delivery may be recommended.

It is important to note that the treatment plan for breech presentation will depend on several factors, including the position of the baby, the mother's health, and the healthcare provider's expertise.

Conclusion:

Breech presentation is a type of abnormal fetal presentation that can cause complications during delivery. It is important to discuss the treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the best plan for the mother and baby. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy or the health of your baby, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Hashtags: #Breechpresentation #abnormalfetalpresentation #pregnancy #causes #symptoms #diagnosis #treatment #externalcephalicversion #vaginaldelivery #cesareandelivery


Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Alexander Enabnit picture
Author

Alexander Enabnit

Senior Editorial Staff
Alexandra Warren picture
Author

Alexandra Warren

Senior Editorial Staff

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!