BREECH

PRESENTATION

Introduction
A breech birth is the birth of a baby from a breech presentation.
In the breech presentation the baby enters the birth canal with
the buttocks or feet first as opposed to the normal head first
presentation.
Usually a few weeks before birth, most babies will move into
delivery position, with their head moving near the birth canal. If
this does not happen, the baby's buttocks and/or feet will be in
place to be delivered first. This is called a breech presentation.
Perinatal mortality up to 4 times compared to vertex
presentation.
Breech presentation only becomes significant after 36 weeks.

Incidence of breech presentation

Breech presentation occurs in 3-4% of all deliveries. The
percentage of breech deliveries decreases with advancing
gestational age.
Gestational age 21 to 24 weeks: 33% breech
Gestational age 25 to 28 weeks: 28% breech
Gestational age 29 to 32 weeks: 14% breech
Gestational age 33 to 36 weeks: 9% breech
Gestational age 37 to 40 weeks: 7% breech