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transverse presentation

childbirth
Also known as: cross birth, cross presentation

Quick Summary

In childbirth, transverse presentation refers to a rare situation where the fetus lies horizontally across the mother's uterus, rather than lengthwise. This is in contrast to the typical vertex (head-first) or breech (buttocks-first) presentations.12

Because the fetus is positioned crosswise, vaginal delivery is usually impossible unless the baby is very small. Consequently, a cesarean section is typically necessary to deliver the baby safely. This presentation occurs in only about one in several hundred labors.21

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