A breech birth is when a baby is positioned with its buttocks or feet facing downward instead of the head during delivery. This can increase the risk of complications during childbirth, such as umbilical cord compression or difficulty delivering the baby's head. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend a cesarean section to safely deliver a breech baby.
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Google Gemini AI
Jun 15
Breech Birth
Definition:
A breech birth occurs when the baby is positioned in the uterus with its feet or buttocks presenting first, instead of the head.
Types of Breech Births:
- Frank breech: The baby's legs are extended and the buttocks are presented first. - Complete breech: The baby's buttocks and feet are presented together. - Footling breech: One or both of the baby's feet are presented first.
Causes:
The exact cause of breech birth is often unknown. However, risk factors include:
Breech birth is usually diagnosed during a prenatal ultrasound.
Risks and Complications:
Breech births carry a slightly higher risk of complications than head-first births. These risks include:
- For the baby: - Hypoxia (lack of oxygen) - Premature birth - Low birth weight - Physical injuries, such as arm or leg fractures - For the mother: - Uterine rupture - Hemorrhage - Postpartum infection
Management:
The management of breech birth depends on the specific presentation of the baby and the mother's health. Options include:
- Vaginal breech birth: In some cases, a vaginal breech birth is possible with the assistance of an experienced obstetrician. - Cesarean section (C-section): This is typically the safest option for most breech births, especially if the baby is large or premature. - External cephalic version (ECV): A procedure where the doctor manually turns the baby into a head-down position.
Prevention:
There is no sure way to prevent breech birth. However, some factors, such as avoiding multiple pregnancies and maintaining a healthy pregnancy weight, may help reduce the risk.