Fetal Problems in Breech Position

The vast majority of breech position newborns are normal at birth. But fetal abnormalities are more common in breech newborns than in newborns delivered in the head-down position.

There is often no clear reason why the baby did not turn head-down. But experts have noted that some fetal conditions, such as neurological and muscular problems, are linked to breech birth. Such conditions are thought to make a fetus less able to turn to the head-down vertex position before birth.¹

Fetal problems most commonly seen in breech infants born at full term include:²

• Down syndrome.
• Anencephaly.
• Hydrocephalus.
• Problems with the heart.
• Problems with the stomach or intestines.

Many of these conditions can be detected by tests early in pregnancy.

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