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Birth Presentations and Delivery

A Guide for Baby's Arrival

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

Although the process in its entirety is also referred to as "presentation," one of the factors that contributes to the normal position or malpresentation of a baby during delivery is given the same term. The component of "presentation" refers to the part of the baby that first appears in the pelvis or birth canal. The typical presentation of a baby during delivery is the occipital lobe, or crown of the head, first. However, babies tend to come into the world in a wide variety of positions. In addition, there are several variations of each position.

A breech birth happens when a baby is born feet, knees or buttocks first. "Breech presentation occurs in 3 to 4 percent of all deliveries," Dr. Michael says. "So if there were to be a malpresentation, it would more than likely be breech. Most babies can be breech as late as 32 weeks into the pregnancy and then move to a cephalic presentation during the last few weeks. If a woman has an ultrasound late in her pregnancy, up to 32 weeks, and has been told her baby is in a beech position, there really is no cause for concern. Again, oftentimes babies in the breech position later in the pregnancy will turn themselves before labor and delivery begin – requiring no assistance from the doctor."

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Bottoms Up: Dealing with Breech Babies
• Sometimes Labor Can Be a Pain in the Hip: A Certified Doula Explains Hip Pain and Positioning of the Baby
• Routine Labor Care: A Certified Doula Explains the Basic Components of Maternity Care
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