With a breech presentation, your baby is in a buttocks or feet first presentation. A breech presentation can make it hard for the baby’s head to fit through the birth canal during a vaginal delivery. This can cause a lack of oxygen or nerve damage in your baby.

How will I know if my baby is breech?

Your doctor can tell the presentation of the baby by pressing on your belly or during a vaginal exam. If you are more than 35 weeks and your healthcare provider is unsure of the position of your baby, you may have an ultrasound to determine the baby’s position before delivery.

Are there different types of breech presentations?

Yes. Your baby may be in one of the following breech presentations:

• Frank Breech: The baby’s buttocks is pointed down toward the birth canal, and the legs and feet are extended toward the head.
• Complete Breech: The baby sits cross-legged (almost Indian style). The buttocks is pointed down in the birth canal, the knees are bent, and the feet are tucked under the legs.
• Footling Breech: One or both of the baby’s feet is presenting first in the birth canal.

What can I expect during delivery?

Although some breech baby’s are born vaginally, it can result in complications. For this reason, you will usually be scheduled for a cesarean delivery.

What happens after I deliver?

Just because your baby is in a breech position, it doesn’t mean that he or she will have health problems. Most likely, you and your baby will both be fine.