What does fetal position breech mean?

Dec 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

The normal fetal position should be cephalic, meaning the fetal head is facing downward with the occiput approaching the maternal pelvic inlet. In contrast, breech position is a type of abnormal fetal presentation. This condition may occur when the fetus has excessive space for movement within the uterus, such as in cases of polyhydramnios, or insufficient space, for example due to uterine malformation or pelvic narrowing, preventing the fetus from normally rotating into a cephalic position.

Generally, a breech presentation refers to a fetal position within the uterus where the baby's buttocks are positioned downward and the head is upward. A detailed explanation is as follows:

The normal fetal position should be cephalic presentation, meaning the baby's head is positioned downward with the occiput near the mother's pelvic inlet. A breech presentation is a type of abnormal fetal position. This positioning may result from excessive fetal movement within the uterus, such as in cases of polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid), or limited movement due to factors such as uterine malformations or a narrow pelvis, preventing the fetus from normally rotating into a cephalic presentation. Compared with vaginal delivery in cephalic presentation, breech delivery carries higher risks because the baby's buttocks and limbs cannot apply pressure to the cervix as effectively as the head, thus failing to stimulate effective uterine contractions. Additionally, the baby's largest part—the head—emerges last, which may lead to difficulties delivering the head or prolapse of the umbilical cord, increasing the risks of dystocia (difficult labor) and neonatal asphyxia.

Pregnant women can perform fetal position correction under a doctor's guidance, such as adopting the knee-chest position. After emptying the bladder and loosening the waistband, the pregnant woman should kneel with her chest as close to the bed surface as possible, keeping her thighs perpendicular to the bed. This should be performed 2–3 times daily, each session lasting 15–20 minutes. Gentle movements are essential to avoid excessive fatigue.

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What does the fetal position LOA mean?

LOA fetal position refers to a cephalic presentation where "L" indicates the fetal occiput is located on the left side of the maternal pelvis, "O" denotes the presenting part of the fetus is the occiput, and "A" means the occiput is positioned anteriorly within the pelvis. Therefore, LOA stands for Left Occiput Anterior position, a common fetal position that is generally favorable for spontaneous vaginal delivery.

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What does the fetal position ROT mean?

Fetal position refers to the relationship between the presenting part of the fetus and the mother's pelvis. In the ROT position, "R" stands for right, "O" for occiput, and "T" for transverse, meaning the fetal occiput is located at the right transverse position of the maternal pelvis. Right occiput transverse is a relatively common fetal position during labor. The ideal position for normal vaginal delivery is the occiput anterior position, where the fetal occiput is situated at the anterior portion of the maternal pelvis.

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Can patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a vaginal delivery?

In general, whether a patient with ankylosing spondylitis can have a vaginal delivery needs to be determined based on the control of her condition. If the condition has remained stable for a prolonged period without severe spinal deformities, hip joint lesions, or other complications, and if the fetal position is normal and the maternal pelvic conditions meet the required criteria, vaginal delivery may usually be considered appropriate. However, if the condition is severe, with significant spinal rigidity and deformity, limited hip joint mobility, or if there are fetal abnormalities, vaginal delivery may not be suitable.

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What are the causes of bowed legs in newborns during the embryonic period?

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of bowed legs in newborns during the embryonic period include fetal positioning pressure in the uterus, differences in the rhythm of bone development, congenital tibial bowing, congenital hip dysplasia, and vitamin D deficiency rickets. If related abnormalities are detected, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation and examination at a reputable hospital. A detailed analysis is as follows: