×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Smart Minds Choose Us
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download App

What every pregnant woman should know about breech births

Nairobi; Kenya: 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.

Explaining breech presentation, Dr Joseph Musana, a gynaecologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital, who regularly deals with difficult pregnancies said, “Under normal circumstances, foetuses turn to the vertex position as early as 28 weeks with most rotating by the 36th week. In other cases, the baby ‘swims’ to the right approach late in pregnancy before labour,” says the doctor.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Uncover the stories others won't tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
Support Independent Journalism

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.

Journalism can't be free because the truth demands investment. At The Standard, we invest time, courage and skills to bring you accurate, factual and impactful stories. Subscribe today and stand with us in the pursuit of credible journalism.

Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payment Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902