What is knee breech?

Knee breech (also known as knee presentation) is a rare fetal presentation where the baby is positioned in such a way that the knees present at the birth canal instead of the head or buttocks. This occurs in less than 1% of all births.

Knee breech can be challenging for both the mother and the baby, as there is a risk of complications during delivery such as umbilical cord prolapse, difficulty in delivering the head, and hip dislocation.

Knee breech presentations are usually diagnosed during routine prenatal care or through an ultrasound examination. If detected early enough, some healthcare providers may attempt to reposition the baby through external cephalic version (ECV) or opt for a cesarean section to reduce the risk of complications.

It is important for pregnant women to attend regular prenatal checkups to ensure the health and safety of both themselves and their babies.