Professional
Technical
IVT
Face presentation
Fetal malpresentation where the face is the presenting part with complete head extension.
Full Definition
An uncommon fetal presentation occurring in approximately 1 in 500-600 deliveries, where the fetal head is completely extended with the face presenting first. The mentum (chin) serves as the reference point for position determination. Vaginal delivery may be possible if the chin rotates anteriorly, but posterior chin positions typically require cesarean delivery due to obstructed labor risk.
Usage
Usage note: Mentum position (anterior vs posterior) is crucial for delivery method determination.
In Context
- "Vaginal examination revealed face presentation with mentum anterior position." — Labor assessment note
- "The persistent face presentation with mentum posterior necessitated cesarean delivery." — Operative delivery indication
Also known as
facial presentation
Contrasted with
vertex presentation
brow presentation
Don't confuse with
brow presentation
compound presentation