Breech Presentations
Breech Presentations
Breech Presentations
A breech presentation is more hazardous to a fetus than a cephalic presentation because there
is a higher risk of the following
o Developing dysplasia of the hip
o Anoxia from a prolapsed cord
o Traumatic injury to the after-coming head (possibility of intracranial hemorrhage or
anoxia)
o Fracture of the spine or arm
o Dysfunctional labor
o Early rupture of the membranes because of the poor fit of the presenting part
o Meconium staining
Risk factors
o Abnormal amniotic fluid volume
o High parity with uterine relaxation
o Prior breech delivery
o Hydrocephaly
o Anencephaly
o Pelvic tumors
o Uterine anomalies
o Multifetal gestation
o Early gestational age
o Placenta previa
o Fundal placental implantation
Indications:
Procedure
1. Gather all items you will need for the internal examination
a. For easy accessibility for the inspection of the external genitalia.
2. Identify the client, introduce yourself and explain the procedure (internal examination)
a. To obtain client’s cooperation and work simultaneously.
3. Position the client on the examination table.
a. Three positions are employed for internal examination:
i. Doral Recumbent
ii. Sim’s Position
iii. Knee-chest Position
b. The aforementioned positions are made best so as to expose the gynecologic area to be
examined
c. Position depends on client’s capability and examiner’s preferred position
4. S
5. Wash hands- and put- on sterile gloves
a. Protect the health care provider from contracting gynecological diseases caused by
highly infective organisms.
6. Explain the necessity of effective pushing in the second stage of labor
a. Spontaneous descent and expulsion to the umbilicus should occur with maternal
pushing only DO NOT PULL ON THE BREECH!
b. Rotation of the sacrum anterior position is desired