Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Breech presentation
Fetal positioning where the buttocks or feet present first at delivery instead of the head.
Full Definition
Breech presentation occurs when the fetal buttocks or feet are positioned to emerge first during delivery, contrary to the normal vertex (head-down) presentation. This malpresentation occurs in approximately 3-4% of all pregnancies and may require cesarean delivery or skilled vaginal delivery techniques. The three types are frank breech (hips flexed, knees straight), complete or full breech (both hips and knees flexed), and incomplete or partial breech (one or both feet present first).
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the type of breech when known (frank, complete, or incomplete).
In Context
- "The ultrasound confirmed a frank breech presentation at 36 weeks gestation." — Prenatal assessment report
- "External cephalic version was attempted to correct the breech presentation." — Obstetric procedure note
Also known as
breech position
podalic presentation
Contrasted with
vertex presentation
cephalic presentation
Don't confuse with
face presentation
brow presentation