breech presentation

Definition: presentation of any part of the pelvic extremity of the fetus, the nates, knees, or feet; more properly only of the nates; frank breech presentation occurs when the fetus presents by the pelvic extremity; the thighs may be flexed and the legs extended over the anterior surfaces of the body; in full breech presentation, the thighs may be flexed on the abdomen and the legs upon the thighs; and in footling presentation, foot presentation, the feet may be the lowest part; in incomplete foot presentation, incomplete knee presentation, one leg may retain the position that is typical of one of the above-mentioned presentations, while the other foot or knee may present.

Synonym(s): pelvic presentation

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