Breech Presentation
When the presenting part of the infant is not the head but the buttocks or feet, this is considered a breech presentation. The typical breech presentations are frank (left), footling (top right) and complete (bottom right). Some healthcare providers may try to turn the baby prior to the onset of labor. This is called an external version.
Through abdominal manipulation, the baby can sometimes be turned. The healthcare provider will evaluate and determine whether you would be a candidate for this procedure. Active labor and ruptured membranes generally prevent this attempt. It is usually done in a hospital setting in case any problems should arise.
Today, most women who present with a breech presentation in labor or with ruptured membranes are delivered by cesarean because of the complications a breech delivery could have on the baby.
Transverse Lie
A horizontal position of the baby in the uterus is called a transverse lie (right). Almost all babies that present in this position are delivered by cesarean.