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    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us

    Breech Presentation

    Breech presentation means that your baby is in a buttocks-first or feet-first position. Babies are usually in a head-first position. A breech position can make it hard for the baby’s head to fit through the birth canal during delivery. This can cause lack of oxygen or nerve damage in your baby.

    Checking for breech presentation

    Your doctor can tell that your baby is in a breech presentation by gently pressing on your belly. If after about 36 weeks your baby still isn’t head-first, you may have a test called an ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to form an image of your baby on a screen.

    Types of breech presentations

    As you get close to your due date, your baby may be in one of these breech positions:

    • Frank breech. The baby's buttocks are closest to the birth canal. The hips are flexed, and the legs are straight up in front of the body. The feet are near the baby's head.

    • Complete breech. The baby's knees are bent, and the feet and buttocks are closest to the birth canal.

    • Incomplete breech. One or both of the baby's feet are closest to the birth canal.

    Front view cross section of uterus between pelvic bones showing fetus with head up, in breech position.
    Complete breech.

    Delivering your baby

    Even if the baby’s position can’t be changed, a breech baby can sometimes be born vaginally. But this is rare. Your doctor will talk with you about the risks. More often, a surgical delivery (cesarean section or C-section) is done. You will have medicine to block pain (anesthesia). But you may stay awake and alert. You will have an ultrasound at the hospital to confirm the position of your baby (the fetus) just before the surgery.

    After you deliver

    Whether you give birth vaginally or by C-section, you and your baby will most likely be fine. Just because your baby is in a breech position doesn’t mean that they will have health problems.

    Can you have a vaginal delivery?

    In some cases, your doctor may try to turn the baby head-down by putting pressure on your belly. This method is called an external cephalic version. It is usually tried after 36 weeks. If this works, you might be able to have a vaginal delivery. Your doctor will talk about this with you.

    Note: External cephalic version cannot be done after active labor has started.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS
    Online Medical Reviewer: Vinita Wadhawan Researcher
    Date Last Reviewed: 6/1/2025
    © 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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