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Breech birth
01
the delivery of a baby with the buttocks or feet positioned to emerge first, rather than the head, during childbirth
What is a "breech birth"?
A breech birth occurs when a baby is positioned feet or buttocks first instead of head first in the womb during delivery. This position can make the delivery more challenging because the baby's head, which is the largest part, is not leading the way through the birth canal. Breech births can increase the risk of complications, such as umbilical cord problems or difficulty in delivering the baby’s head. In many cases, surgery is recommended to ensure a safer delivery, but sometimes doctors may try to turn the baby to a head-first position before delivery.
Example
During prenatal checkups, healthcare providers assess the likelihood of a breech birth.
The doctor identified a breech birth when the baby's feet were positioned downward.
Breech births may require special delivery techniques to ensure a safe birth.
Some babies naturally turn head-down, avoiding the need for a breech birth.
In certain cases, a healthcare team may attempt to manually reposition the baby to avoid a breech birth.
