Ezekiel M.

Reyes
Malpresentation Predisposing factors to malpresentation include:
y y y y y y

Prematurity. Multiple pregnancy. Abnormalities of the uterus, e.g. fibroids. Partial septate uterus. Abnormal fetus. Placenta praevia.

Breech Birth
y

The most common type of fetal malpresentation is the breech birth. In this position the baby arrives feet, knees, or buttocks first. Fewer than 3-4% of babies are born in this position. Often, the doctor or midwife can try to gently move the baby by applying pressure to your abdominal wall. Half of all breech babies can be moved into a better presentation by doing this. Shifting of the baby is best done after 36 weeks and before labor begins. If your baby is still in a breech presentation during labor, a natural or home birth may be difficult. Instead a cesarean section is likely the best option. There are various breech positions in which your baby can present herself. If she arrives buttocks first in a V-shaped position, with the legs extending over the head, it is called a frank breech. In a complete breech, your baby arrives sitting with both legs crossed and pushed up. An incomplete breech presentation will have the baby arriving with one leg crossed and one leg extending down the birth canal.

Footling
y

A footling presentation is similar to an incomplete breech presentation. In this presentation, the baby will arrive with one leg stretched down the birth canal. If two legs are extended into the birth canal, it is called a double footling presentation.

Shoulder Presentation
y

This presentation, with the shoulders arriving first, is among the most rare. Only 1 out of every 1000 babies arrive in this position. It is necessary to have your doctor reposition the baby if possible. If labor has already begun, a cesarean section will be required