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6.5 Breech Presentation

Breech presentation is a condition where the baby is positioned bottom-first rather than head-first in the womb. This occurs in about 3-4% of all pregnancies. While breech presentation does not always lead to complications, it can make labor and delivery more difficult and may increase the risk for certain complications, such as prolapse of the umbilical cord. There are several possible treatments for breech presentation, including external cephalic version (ECV) and caesarean section.
While breech presentation does not always lead to complications, it can make labor and delivery more difficult. In some cases, the baby may need to be delivered by caesarean section. There are several possible treatments for breech presentation, including external cephalic version (ECV) and caesarean section.
External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure that is used to attempt to turn the baby from a breech position to a head-first position. ECV is usually only attempted if the baby is in the breech position after 37 weeks of pregnancy. ECV is generally safe, but there are some risks associated with the procedure, such as uterine rupture or premature labor.
If ECV is unsuccessful or is not an option, a caesarean section may be necessary. A caesarean section is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen. Caesarean sections are generally safe, but there are some risks associated with the procedure, such as infection or blood loss.
If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with breech presentation, talk to your doctor about your treatment options.