vertex presentation
Quick Summary
In childbirth, "presentation" refers to the position of the fetus as it enters the birth canal. The most common and ideal presentation is the vertex presentation, where the top of the baby's head is the first part to emerge. This position usually occurs when the fetus is head-down in the uterus.12
Less common presentations include:
* Breech presentation: The buttocks or feet are presented first. This occurs in about 3-4% of births and can pose risks, such as umbilical cord compression, as the head delivers last.12
* Face presentation: The baby's head is extended backward, and the face enters the birth canal first. If the chin is directed forward, labor may be straightforward; if backward, complications can arise.13
* Transverse presentation: The fetus is positioned crosswise in the uterus, occurring rarely. This typically requires repositioning the fetus or a cesarean section.1
Most fetuses naturally turn to a head-down (vertex) position before labor, but interventions may be needed for other presentations.2
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In vertex presentations the head of the fetus most commonly faces to the right and slightly to the rear. This position is said to be the most usual one because the fetus is thus best accommodated to the shape of the uterus. In breech presentation the…
Read MoreIn vertex presentations the head of the fetus most commonly faces to the right and slightly to the rear. This position is said to be the most usual one because the fetus is thus best accommodated to the shape of the uterus. In breech presentation the…
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birthFetal presentation and passage through the birth canalThe manner in which the child passes through the birth canal in the second stage of labour depends upon the position in which it is lying and the shape of the mother’s pelvis. The sequence of events described in the following paragraphs is that which frequently…
Read MoreThe manner in which the child passes through the birth canal in the second stage of labour depends upon the position in which it is lying and the shape of the mother’s pelvis. The sequence of events described in the following paragraphs is that which frequently…
Read More