Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Breech - series: Types of breech presentation

 Types of breech presentation

Breech - series
Illustrations:

  • Normal position of the baby
  • Breech presentation
  • Types of breech presentation
  • Complications of breech
  • Correcting breech
  • Other presentations
  • Other presentations
  • There are three types of breech presentation: complete, incomplete, and frank.

    Complete breech is when both of the baby's knees are bent and his feet and bottom are closest to the birth canal.

    Incomplete breech is when one of the baby's knees is bent and his foot and bottom are closest to the birth canal.

    Frank breech is when the baby's legs are folded flat up against his head and his bottom is closest to the birth canal.

    There is also footling breech where one or both feet are presenting.

    Update Date: 5/26/2008

    Updated by: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; and . Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

    A.D.A.M. Logo

    The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.