A–Z Glossary

External cephalic version

A procedure that uses pressure on the abdomen to try to turn a breech baby into a head-down position.

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Delivery types based on baby position including breech

Delivery types based on baby position including breech

Why baby position changes delivery planning In obstetrics, “presentation” describes the fetal part that enters the pelvis first, while “position” describes how that presenting part is oriented in relation to the mother’s pelvis. These details matter because birth is not only about dilation; it also depends on fit, flexion, rotation, and the baby’s ability to […]

Medical conditions requiring cesarean delivery

Medical conditions requiring cesarean delivery

What it means for a cesarean to be medically required A medically indicated cesarean is recommended when the expected risks of continuing labor or attempting vaginal birth exceed the surgical risks. Some indications are identified antenatally and allow a planned C-section before labor. Others emerge during labor and require an unplanned or emergency C-section. Urgency […]

Doctor visits schedule by trimester

Doctor visits schedule by trimester

The classic prenatal visit schedule at a glance For an uncomplicated pregnancy, many prenatal care schedules follow a predictable rhythm. Early in pregnancy, appointments are often scheduled about every four weeks. As pregnancy advances, visits usually become more frequent, often every two weeks in the later third trimester and then weekly near delivery. This increasing […]

Common reasons and how doctors decide on cesarean

Common reasons and how doctors decide on cesarean

What a cesarean decision is trying to prevent A is a surgical birth through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. The goal is not simply to choose a more controlled delivery route; it is to reduce the likelihood of serious harm when vaginal birth is judged to be unsafe, impossible, or less safe than surgery. […]

C-section explained and why it is performed

C-section explained and why it is performed

What a C-section is A C-section is an operative method of birth. The clinician makes an incision through the abdominal wall and then through the uterus, allowing the baby and placenta to be delivered without passing through the vagina. Most procedures use regional anesthesia, such as spinal or epidural anesthesia, so the pregnant person is […]