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What is Cephalic Presentation?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
In obstetrics, the term “cephalic presentation” is used to describe a situation in which the baby is delivered head first. This delivery presentation is the safest and most common. Abnormal presentations such as a breech, in which the buttocks or feet come out first, can be dangerous, and may require intervention in the form of a caesarian section for delivery. As a pregnancy progresses into the later stages, a doctor can check on the position of the fetus to make sure that it is lining up properly for delivery.
The natural tendency is for the fetus to fall into a cephalic presentation, usually one in which the crown of the head is delivered first. The shape of the uterus is designed in such a way that this position is promoted as the most natural one for the fetus to move into as it grows larger and space become limited. However, the baby may lie in various ways with a cephalic presentation, and some of them can be dangerous for the baby or the mother. Having the baby come out brow first, for example, can make for a difficult delivery.
The fetus begins to move into position for delivery before the mother goes into labor. If a doctor suspects that a fetus is not moving into the cephalic presentation, she or he may make suggestions which are intended to turn or move the baby into position. Fetal ultrasound can be used to see if the fetus is in the right place, and obstetricians can also tell with palpation. This can also be used to determine if the baby is in an awkward position, but still in a cephalic presentation, to plan ahead for delivery.
Presentations can become complicated when a woman is carrying multiples. This is one of the many reasons that multiples are regarded as a potentially high risk pregnancy. If the doctor suspects that the presentation of a singleton or multiple pregnancy is too risky, a recommendation for a cesarean section may be made. This can be done out of concern for the baby or the mother, and very rapid intervention is available if a delivery starts to go wrong.
The vast majorities of pregnancies end up in a cephalic presentation. The small fraction that do not can be dealt with in a variety of ways. Different doctors or midwives may have different recommendations for handling breech and other positions during labor and delivery.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
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![In obstetrics, the term "cephalic" is used to refer to a baby that is delivered headfirst, as he should be.]()
By: lanamasterIn obstetrics, the term "cephalic" is used to refer to a baby that is delivered headfirst, as he should be. -
![A cephalic presentation may require delivering using a C-section.]()
By: Anton BooysenA cephalic presentation may require delivering using a C-section. -
![An obstetrician can do an exam to determine if the fetus is in the right place.]()
By: Valua VitalyAn obstetrician can do an exam to determine if the fetus is in the right place. -
![A midwife or doctor may be able to turn a transverse or breech baby into a more preferred position during early labor.]()
By: Monkey BusinessA midwife or doctor may be able to turn a transverse or breech baby into a more preferred position during early labor. -
![Presentations can become complicated when a woman is carrying multiples.]()
By: LangstrupPresentations can become complicated when a woman is carrying multiples.
Discussion Comments
@Matis- My second child had what is called malpresentation. He was head down, but presenting brow first. I ended up having a long labor. The doctor almost had to take me into surgery for a c-section, but I managed to deliver without one. We had some complications but my son is healthy as can be now.
@Matis- My mom likes to tell the story of how she was a breech birth. She came out bottom first. This was over 50 years ago. C-sections were not so common. My Grandma doesn’t care to discuss the details, but my mom came out fine with no injury or abnormal stress. I bet that was one heck of a delivery! I wonder whether you can use assistive devices to deliver a breech baby. It’s hard to picture how a vacuum would work in that scenario. My grandparents were very happy there was no injury to my mom during birth.
I was lucky. When I delivered my daughter, we ended up with cephalic presentation. Labor and delivery are hard enough when everything goes well. I had a medically perfect delivery. It’s still no walk in the park! Has anyone delivered a baby who was not in the right position without c-section?
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