What every pregnant woman should know about breech births

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Every expectant woman attending routine antenatal clinic should be informed by an experienced gynaecologist of the presentation of their foetus in their 36th week of pregnancy. Usually, the foetus’ head faces downwards (vertex position) in readiness for a vaginal birth.

However, in about three to four per cent of pregnancies, the opposite happens with the baby’s feet, or buttocks positioned at the birth canal. This is known as breech presentation and poses a risk to both mother and child at delivery.