What is considered an abnormal delivery presentation?

An abnormal delivery presentation refers to any positioning of the fetus during birth that deviates from the expected head-down (vertex) position, which is the most common and conducive for a safe delivery.

In the case of breach presentation, the fetus is positioned with its buttocks or feet aimed toward the birth canal instead of the head. This position poses challenges for delivery, often increasing the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby, such as cord prolapse or injury to the fetus. Therefore, breach presentation is classified as an abnormal delivery presentation.

Other positions, such as head first (which is the standard presentation) and vertex position (a specific type of head first delivery where the crown of the head presents first) are considered normal. Transverse position, where the fetus lies sideways across the uterus, is also abnormal but is not the answer to the question since breach specifically emphasizes the feet or buttocks being presented. While transverse presentations are abnormal, breach is distinctly defined as the method of delivery being performed incorrectly according to standard practice, thus making it an observable term in obstetrical presentations.