Which fetal presentation is buttocks or feet first rather than head first?

• A. Breech
• B. Vertex
• C. Transverse
• D. Cephalic

Answer: (A)

Fetal breech presentation is when the buttocks or feet present first in the birth canal, rather than the head. In contrast, a head-first position is called cephalic presentation, with the most common form being a vertex position where the head leads. A sideways (transverse) orientation means the baby is lying horizontally in the uterus, not head- or buttocks-first. Breech can come in several forms, such as frank breech (hips flexed, legs extended up toward the head), complete breech (buttocks presenting with legs folded), or footling breech (one or both feet present). Because delivering a breech baby can carry higher risks, many breech pregnancies are delivered by cesarean section or managed with techniques to turn the fetus to a head-down position if possible.