what is the meaning of presentation in pregnancy

Full Answer

What is the normal presentation in pregnancy?

Normally, the position of a fetus is facing rearward (toward the woman's back) with the face and body angled to one side and the neck flexed, and presentation is head first. An abnormal position is facing forward, and abnormal presentations include face, brow, breech, and shoulder.

How many types of presentation are there during pregnancy?

We analyzed the frequencies of four types of fetal lie/presentation at each gestational week, which are usually described in fetal ultrasound reports as longitudinal lie cephalic (LLCP) or breech (LLBP) presentations, non-longitudinal lie (NLL, transverse or oblique) and variable lie (VL, changes occurring during the ...

What does it mean when baby is presenting?

Delivery presentation describes the way the baby is positioned to come down the birth canal for delivery. The best position for your baby inside your uterus at the time of delivery is head down. This is called cephalic presentation. This position makes it easier and safer for your baby to pass through the birth canal.

What fetal presentation is best?

The best position for the baby to be in to pass through the pelvis is with the head down and the body facing towards the mother's back. This position is called occiput anterior (OA). In breech position, the baby's bottom is facing down instead of the head.

Which presentation is good for normal delivery?

Ideally for labor, the baby is positioned head-down, facing your back, with the chin tucked to its chest and the back of the head ready to enter the pelvis. This is called cephalic presentation. Most babies settle into this position with the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.

What is abnormal presentation?

Normally, the position of a fetus is facing rearward (toward the woman's back) with the face and body angled to one side and the neck flexed, and presentation is head first. An abnormal position is facing forward, and abnormal presentations include face, brow, breech, and shoulder.

What is normal position of baby?

Normally, the position of a fetus is facing rearward (toward the woman's back) with the face and body angled to one side and the neck flexed, and presentation is head first. An abnormal position is facing forward, and abnormal presentations include face, brow, breech, and shoulder.

How do I know if baby is head down?

Your baby may be head down if you can:feel their head low down in your belly.feel their bottom or legs above your belly button.feel larger movements — bottom or legs — higher up toward your rib cage.feel smaller movements — hands or elbows — low down in your pelvis.More items...•

What happens if a baby comes face first?

Face presentations happen in about one in every 600 to one in every 800 births, so they're quite rare too. Even if your baby is presenting face first, you still have a good chance of having a vaginal birth if your baby's chin is near your pubic bone.

What is the placenta position for baby boy?

According to some, having an anterior placenta means you're having a girl, whereas a posterior placenta means you're having a boy.

Is baby boy on right side of uterus?

According to the theory, the placement of your developing placenta – which must be determined in a very precise way – can reveal your baby's sex. If your placenta is forming on the right side of your uterus, the baby is most likely a boy, the theory claims. If it's forming on the left side, it's probably a girl.

Is anterior left or right?

The front of a baby's head is referred to as the anterior portion and the back is the posterior portion. There are two different positions called occiput anterior (OA) positions that may occur. The left occiput anterior (LOA) position is the most common in labor.

Can compound presentation deliver vaginally?

For term deliveries, compound presentations with parts other than the hand are unlikely to result in safe vaginal delivery. Complications of compound presentation include cord prolapse and injury to the presenting limb.

Is Vertex and cephalic presentation same?

Cephalic presentation is further broken down by the position of the head; in the vast majority of cephalic deliveries, the crown or top of the head (called the vertex), enters the birth canal first and is the first part of the baby to be delivered. This is why we say a baby is 'crowning'.

Why cephalic presentation is most common?

Factors that influence this positioning include the gestational age (earlier in gestation breech presentations are more common as the head is relatively bigger), size of the head, malformations, amount of amniotic fluid, presence of multiple gestations, presence of tumors, and others.

How can you tell the difference between a breech and face presentation?

The facial presentation has a triangular configuration of the mouth to the orbital ridges compared to the breech presentation of the anus and fetal genitalia. During Leopold maneuvers, diagnosis is very unlikely. Diagnosis can be confirmed by ultrasound evaluation, which reveals a hyperextended fetal neck.

What is a breech presentation?

In the frank breech presentation, both the baby's legs are extended so that the feet are up near the face. This is the most common type of breech presentation. Breech babies are difficult to deliver vaginally, so most arrive by c-section.

What percentage of babies are head down?

At the time of delivery, 97 percent of babies are head-down (cephalic presentation).

How to turn a baby to head down?

Some providers will attempt to turn your baby manually to the head down position by applying pressure to your belly. This is called an external cephalic version, and it has a 58 percent success rate for turning breech babies. For more information, see our article on breech birth.

Why is it called Sunny Side Up?

You may also hear it called "sunny-side up" because babies who stay in this position are born facing up. But many babies who are facing up during labor rotate to the easier face down (anterior) position before birth. Posterior position is formally known as "occiput posterior" because the back of your baby's skull (occipital bone) ...

Where is the footling breech pointed?

In the single footling breech presentation, one of the baby's feet is pointed toward your cervix.

What does it mean when a baby is in a complete breech?

A complete breech is when your baby is bottom down with hips and knees bent in a tuck or cross-legged position. If your baby is in a complete breech, you may feel kicking in your lower abdomen.

What is the best position for a vaginal delivery?

Head down, facing down (anterior position) A baby who is head down and facing your spine is in the anterior position. This is the most common fetal presentation and the easiest position for a vaginal delivery. This position is also known as "occiput anterior" because the back of your baby's skull (occipital bone) is in the front (anterior) ...

How is a breech presentation diagnosed?

If it appears that the baby might be in a breech position, they can use ultrasound or pelvic exam to confirm the position. Special x-rays can also be used to determine the baby’s position and the size of the pelvis to determine if a vaginal delivery of a breech baby can be safely attempted.

Can a breech presentation mean something is wrong?

Even though most breech babies are born healthy, there is a slightly elevated risk for certain problems. Birth defects are slightly more common in breech babies and the defect might be the reason that the baby failed to move into the right position prior to delivery.

When is a cesarean delivery used with a breech presentation?

Most health care providers recommend a cesarean delivery for all babies in a breech position, especially babies that are premature. Since premature babies are small and more fragile, and because the head of a premature baby is relatively larger in proportion to its body, the baby is unlikely to stretch the cervix as much as a full-term baby. This means that there might be less room for the head to emerge.

What is the Webster Breech Technique?

A more relaxed uterus makes it easier for a breech baby to turn naturally. His technique is known as the Webster Breech Technique. The July/August issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported and 82% success rate for the Webster Technique.

What causes a breech birth?

The causes of breech presentations are not fully understood. However, the data show that breech birth is more common: 1 In subsequent pregnancies 2 In pregnancies of multiples 3 When there is a history of premature delivery 4 When the uterus has too much or too little amniotic fluid 5 When there is an abnormally shaped uterus or a uterus with abnormal growths, such as fibroids 6 With women who have placenta previa

What is the purpose of fetal monitoring during breech delivery?

In a vaginal breech delivery, electronic fetal monitoring will be used to monitor the baby’s heartbeat throughout the course of labor.

Why is it unlikely for a premature baby to stretch the cervix?

Since premature babies are small and more fragile, and because the head of a premature baby is relatively larger in proportion to its body , the baby is unlikely to stretch the cervix as much as a full-term baby. This means that there might be less room for the head to emerge.

What is the most common position for childbirth?

This position is called cephalic presentation. Most babies settle into this position within the 32nd to 36th weeks of pregnancy.

What other positions can the baby be in before childbirth?

Sometimes the baby doesn’t get into the perfect position before birth. There are several positions that the baby can be in and each of these positions could come with complications during childbirth. These fetal positions can include:

What does fetal positioning mean?

The position of the baby in your uterus is called the presentation of the fetus. Throughout your pregnancy, your baby will move around in the uterus. It’s normal for your baby to be in a variety of positions during most of the pregnancy. Early on, the baby is small enough to move freely. You may have even felt this movement over the last few months. The larger the baby becomes, however, the more limited the movement becomes. As the end of the pregnancy approaches, the baby will start to move into position for birth. This typically involves flipping over so that the baby is head down in your womb. The baby will start to move down in your uterus, preparing to go through your birth canal during childbirth.

Is my baby at risk if it’s in a breech position?

A breech birth is when the baby is positioned with its feet down in the birth canal. While in the womb, the baby isn’t in any danger. However, in this position, the baby would be born foot first. A vaginal delivery is often a very safe form of childbirth, however, when the baby is breech, a vaginal delivery can be complicated. Because the baby’s head is larger than the bottom, there is a risk of head entrapment where the baby’s head becomes stuck in the uterus. In this situation, the baby can be difficult to deliver. Some babies in the breech position may want to come in a hurry during labor. Some providers are comfortable performing a vaginal birth as long as the baby is doing well. In many cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a cesarean birth (C-section) instead of a vaginal birth. This is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the mother’s abdomen and the baby is removed in an operating room. There’s a lot less risk to the baby during this procedure compared to a breech vaginal birth.

Why does the position of the baby at birth matter?

During childbirth, your healthcare provider’s goal is to safely deliver your baby and ensure your well-being. If the baby is in a different position (not a cephalic presentation), this job becomes more challenging. Different fetal positions have a range of difficulties and the risks can vary depending on the position of your child.

Can my healthcare provider turn or reposition my baby before birth?

These methods don’t always work and sometimes, the baby can actually turn back into the wrong position again. You can actually try some of these techniques at home and they won’t harm you or your baby. They might encourage your baby to turn on its own, but there’s also a chance that nothing will happen. Even though there isn’t a guaranteed success rate, these methods are still recommended because they’re usually worth a try and could help you avoid a C-section delivery.

How is the baby delivered when it’s breech or in another position?

Most birth plans begin with the idea of having a vaginal birth. Your provider will look at your medical history, the scans of your baby throughout the pregnancy and the position of the baby to pick the safest form of delivery. When the baby is in a breech position or another abnormal position, your healthcare provider may suggest a cesarean section (C-section) delivery. This is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in your lower abdomen. The baby is delivered through this opening instead of through the birth canal.

What is the position of a fetus at the end of pregnancy?

Toward the end of pregnancy, the fetus moves into position for delivery. Normally, the position of a fetus is fac ing rearward (toward the woman’s back) with the face and body angled to one side and the neck flexed, and presentation is head first.

What is the second most common type of abnormal presentation?

The buttocks or sometimes the feet present first. Breech presentation occurs in 3 to 4% of full-term deliveries. It is the second most common type of abnormal presentation. When delivered vaginally, babies that present buttocks first are more likely to be injured than those that present head first.

Why can't a baby breathe?

The baby cannot breathe because the chest and umbilical cord are compressed by the birth canal. As a result, oxygen levels in the baby’s blood decrease. Shoulder dystocia is not common, but it is more common when any of the following is present: A large fetus is present. Labor is difficult, long, or rapid.

How long does it take for a fetus to present head first?

Sometimes the doctor can turn the fetus to present head first by pressing on the woman’s abdomen before labor begins, usually after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Some women are given a drug (such as terbutaline) to prevent labor from starting too soon.

What is the most common abnormal position in occiput posterior presentation?

In occiput posterior presentation (also called sunny-side up), the fetus is head first but is facing up (toward the mother's abdomen). It is the most common abnormal position or presentation.

What is the head first presentation?

Head first (called vertex or cephalic presentation) Facing rearward. Face and body angled toward the right or left. Neck bent forward. Chin tucked in. Arms folded across the chest. If the fetus is in a different position or presentation, labor may be more difficult, and delivery through the vagina may not be possible.

Why does a baby's head get caught?

When the baby’s head is caught, it puts pressure on the umbilical cord in the birth canal, so that very little oxygen can reach the baby. Brain damage due to lack of oxygen is more common among babies presenting buttocks first than among those presenting head first.

Can malpresentation be corrected?

If you are 36 weeks pregnant, it may be possible to correct the malpresentation by gently turning the baby into a head-first position. This is done by an obstetrician using a technique called external cephalic version (ECV).

What are the risks involved with malpresentation?

Whether you have an assisted delivery or a caesarean, there are some risks where malpresentation is involved.

What about future pregnancies?

Every pregnancy is different. If you’re worried about future pregnancies, it may help to talk to your doctor or midwife so they can explain what happened.

What is it called when a baby is in a different position?

If the baby is in any other position, it’s called malpresentation. Malpresentation can mean the baby’s face, brow, buttocks, foot, shoulder, arms, legs or the umbilical cord are against the cervix. It’s best for the baby’s head to come out first as it is the largest and least flexible part of the body. If any other body part goes down the birth ...

What is the term for when the umbilical cord is against the cervix?

Funic or cord presentation: This is when the umbilical cord is against the cervix. It’s usually caused by oblique or unstable lie.

What is malpresentation in a baby?

Malpresentation. Malpresentation refers to when your baby is in an unusual position as the birth approaches. Sometimes it’s possible to move the baby, but often it’s safer for you and the baby if you have a caesarean.

How often does malpresentation occur?

However, often no cause is found. Malpresentation occurs in about only 1 in every 25 pregnancies. First time mothers are slightly more likely to experience malpresentation than mothers who have already had a baby. Malpresentation is also more common in mothers over 40, who have had a previous breech baby, or who are carrying twins ...

Is vertex presentation normal?

Yes, the vertex position of the baby is the most appropriate and favourable position to achieve normal delivery.

Can a baby turn from being in breech presentation to vertex presentation?

Yes. If your baby is in breech position, you could try turning your baby through these methods:

What causes a breech baby?

There are a few situations that may increase the risk of having a breech baby even after 36 weeks of pregnancy. These are: 1 Twins or multiple babies, wherein there is limited space for movement of the babies 2 Low levels of amniotic fluid that prevents free movement of babies or very high volume of amniotic fluid that does not allow the baby to settle in a position 3 Abnormalities in the uterus, either the presence of low lying placenta or large fibroids in the lower part of the uterus

What is the head down position of a baby?

In layman terms, the head down position is known as ‘cephalic presentation’ which means that the head of the baby lies towards the mouth of the uterus (cervix) and the buttocks and feet of the baby are located at the top of the uterus. Vertex is the medical term for “crown of head”. Vertex presentation indicates that the crown of the head or vertex of the baby is presenting towards the cervix.

What is the most common presentation observed in the third trimester?

Vertex presentation is the most common presentation observed in the third trimester.

What does it mean when a baby is in a head down position?

When a doctor says that your baby is in a head down position, it means that your baby is in vertex presentation.

Why are breech positions higher in preterm birth?

Breech positions are higher in preterm birth where the baby is small and may not have had enough time to flip.

What is lightening?

Your baby will likely naturally drop into a cephalic (head-down) position sometime between weeks 37 to 40 of your pregnancy. This strategic positional change by your brilliant little one is called “lightening.” You might feel a heavy or full sense in your lower stomach — that’s baby’s head!

What is the cephalic occiput posterior?

Cephalic occiput posterior. Your baby is head down with their face turned toward your belly. This can make delivery a bit harder because the head is wider this way and more likely to get stuck. Only about 5 percent of cephalic babies face this way. This position is sometimes called a “ sunny side up baby .”.

What are the different types of breech positions?

There are also different kinds of breech positions your baby could be in: 1 Frank breech. This is when your baby’s bottom is down and their legs are straight up (like a pretzel) so their feet are close to their face. Babies are definitely flexible! 2 Complete breech. This is when your baby is settled into an almost legs crossed position with their bottom down. 3 Incomplete breech. If one of your baby’s legs are bent (like sitting cross-legged) while the other one is trying to kick toward their head or another direction, they’re in an incomplete breech position. 4 Footling breech. Just like it sounds, this is one when or both of baby’s feet are down in the birth canal so they would exit foot first.

What does it mean when a baby is bottom and feet up with their head down near the exit?

If you’re getting closer to your exciting due date, you might have heard your doctor or midwife mention the term cephalic position or cephalic presentation. This is the medical way of saying that baby is bottom and feet up with their head down near the exit, or birth canal.

Why is my baby not moving?

By this time, your growing baby may not be moving that much because the womb isn’t as roomy as it used to be . But your baby can probably still do acrobatic flips and turn himself upside down. Your doctor will closely monitor where your baby’s head is as your due date nears.

Why is my baby breech?

A bre ech baby can cause complications for both mom and baby. This is because the birth canal has to open wider if your baby decides to come out bottom first. It’s also easier for their legs or arms to get tangled up a bit as they slide out. However, only about four percent of babies are in the bottom-first position when it’s time for delivery.

How to know if your baby is settled in the womb?

An ultrasound scan: provides an exact image of your baby and even which way they’re facing. Listening to your baby’s heartbeat: honing in on the heart gives your doctor a good estimate of where your baby is settled inside your womb.

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Related obstetrical terms

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