Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Malpresentation
Any fetal presentation other than vertex (head-down) during labor and delivery.
Full Definition
An abnormal fetal presentation occurring in 3-5% of term deliveries, encompassing any presentation other than the normal vertex (occiput anterior) position. Common types include breech, face, brow, and transverse lie presentations. Malpresentation increases risks of prolonged labor, birth trauma, cord prolapse, and cesarean delivery. Management depends on specific presentation type, fetal size, and maternal factors.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from malposition which refers to abnormal rotation of normal presentation.
In Context
- "Ultrasound confirmed malpresentation with complete breech at 39 weeks gestation." — Prenatal assessment
- "The malpresentation was successfully corrected with external cephalic version." — Procedure note
Also known as
abnormal presentation
fetal malpresentation
Contrasted with
vertex presentation
normal presentation
Don't confuse with
malposition
asynclitism