Bäckenpresentation

Bäckenpresentation, also known as breech presentation, is a pregnancy complication where the fetus is positioned with its buttocks or feet closest to the birth canal, rather than the head. This is the opposite of the ideal cephalic presentation, where the baby's head is down.

There are several types of breech presentation: complete breech (both legs are flexed), frank breech (one or both hips are not flexed, with legs extended towards the head), and footling breech (one or both feet are presenting first).

The cause of breech presentation is not always clear, but factors such as prematurity, multiple pregnancies, excessive amniotic fluid, or abnormalities in the uterus can contribute.

While a vaginal birth is sometimes possible with a breech presentation, especially if the baby is not too large and there are no other complications, it carries higher risks for both mother and baby. These risks can include cord prolapse, fetal distress, and injury during delivery.

Therefore, in many cases, a cesarean section is recommended for breech presentations to ensure a safer delivery. Healthcare providers will monitor the baby's position throughout the pregnancy and discuss the safest delivery options with the expectant parents. External cephalic version (ECV), a procedure to manually turn the baby from the outside, may be attempted in late pregnancy to convert breech presentation to cephalic presentation.