-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
reproductive system
breech position
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
Abnormal presentation of baby for delivery.

etiology:
Baby fails to turn and engage head for delivery. Breech derives from the Greek for buttocks, the most common breech presentation.

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms:
"Frank breech presentation": hips are flexed and knees are extended.
"Complete breech presentation": hips and knees are flexed in "Indian style" sitting position.
"Footling presentation," single or double, where the leg is extended and delivers before the breech.

course and prognosis

The danger with breech deliveries occurs because the softer parts of the body fit through the birth canal and the head cannot undergo molding.
Nerve damage can occur due to stretching of the extremities or spinal cord.
Anoxia can occur as the head, caught in the birth canal, compresses the umbilical cord diminishing exchange of oxygen.
Perinatal death rate is 4 times greater with breech delivery than that of normal presentations.

differential diagnosis

• differentiate type of breech


footnotes