Pelvic presentation is a common medical term used to describe the position of a baby during childbirth. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈpɛlvɪk prəzənˈteɪʃən/. The word "pelvic" is pronounced with the "p" sound followed by "el" vowel sound, "v" and "ɪk". The word "presentation" has stress on the second syllable, and is pronounced with the "pr" consonant cluster, "ɛn" vowel sound, "t" and "eɪʃən" syllable. Accurate spelling of medical terms is essential for clear communication and accurate diagnosis.
Pelvic presentation is a term used in the field of obstetrics to describe the position of the baby in the womb during childbirth. It refers to a situation where the baby's buttocks or feet are positioned to come out first through the birth canal instead of the usual head-down position (known as a cephalic presentation).
In a pelvic presentation, also called a breech presentation, the baby can be in one of several different positions within the pelvis. These positions include frank breech, where the baby's buttocks are leading with their legs straight up towards their face; complete breech, where the baby's buttocks and feet are closest to the birth canal; and footling breech, where one or both of the baby's feet are positioned to come out first.
Pelvic presentations are relatively uncommon, occurring in about 3-4% of all pregnancies. They can pose additional risks and challenges during childbirth compared to a cephalic presentation. Due to the atypical position, these deliveries may have an increased likelihood of complications such as umbilical cord prolapse, head entrapment, and birth injuries.
Pelvic presentations are typically diagnosed by medical professionals during routine prenatal examinations or through ultrasound imaging. Management of a pelvic presentation often involves discussions with the expectant mother regarding the risks and benefits of various delivery options. Depending on the specific circumstances, healthcare providers may choose to attempt a vaginal delivery via external cephalic version, in which a specialized technique is used to manually turn the baby into a head-down position. However, in some cases, a cesarean section may be recommended to mitigate potential complications and ensure the safest delivery for both the baby and the mother.
A p. of the breech or any part of one or both lower extremities.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word pelvic originates from the Latin word pelvis, which means basin or bowl. In anatomy, it refers to the bony structure at the base of the spine formed by the sacrum and the two hip bones.
The term presentation in medical context refers to the position of the baby in the womb prior to birth.
Therefore, pelvic presentation refers to the position of the baby in which its head is located within the pelvic area of the mother during labor and delivery. The etymology of the word is derived from the Latin and Greek roots for the respective terms pelvis and presentation.