What is the term for the presentation in which the fetal buttocks or lower extremities are the first to be delivered?

• A. Breech birth
• B. Nuchal cord
• C. Prolapsed cord
• D. Limb presentation

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding of fetal presentation during delivery: when the buttocks or feet are the first part to emerge, the presentation is called a breech birth. Breech describes a birth where the presenting part is not the head, as opposed to the normal head-first (cephalic) presentation. Other terms refer to different situations: a nuchal cord means the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck, a prolapsed cord means the cord comes down into the birth canal ahead of the baby and can be an emergency, and limb presentation means an arm or leg is coming first. Breech can occur in several forms, such as frank, complete, or footling, depending on how the legs and buttocks are positioned.