
Written by Editorial Team
Pregnancy is one of the most exciting phase in a woman’s life. She goes through those nine months with great enthusiasm and expectation overcoming all the discomforts with the hope of holding a healthy precious little baby in her hands. Although pregnancy can be a memorable experience but there are lot of concerns and complications that a pregnant woman can face over the course of pregnancy or during the childbirth process. One such complication that can come at the last minute of any delivery is the presentation of the baby. Normally, babies bow down their chin well tucked into the chest during their journey through the birth canal. This position is called flexed position or vertex presentation. This is the ideal position that makes delivery easier as the baby’s head will be in its smallest possible diameter in this presentation. This helps the baby to easily pass through the birth canal. However, not all presentations are as perfect as the head first presentation and brow presentation is one such complicated presentation of the baby. Read on to know more about it.
Unlike the flexed position, in a brow presentation, the baby’s head will not be well flexed into its chest. Therefore, her head and neck will be extended back a little, as if it is looking up. If the baby remains in a brow presentation, it is doubtful that there will be enough space for the baby to descend through the pelvis. This increases the chances of a C-section. Brow presentation is least common of all fetal presentations. In fact, it happens one in every 1400 deliveries. Over half of the babies who are in brow presentation in the early labor will flex their head down during the pushing stage of the labor and the labor may progress as expected.
Out of the other 50%, some babies tend to tip their head further back to the face first position while they descends further into the birth canal. Compared to the brow presentation, face first position has a higher chance to undergo a vaginal birth, provided, the chin of the baby is near the pubic bone. But if the baby’s chin is near the tailbone, C-section is the only option to avoid any complications in the delivery.
In spite of the fact that brow presentation very rarely happens, it can happen to anybody. If the baby stays in a brow presentation, it is highly unlikely that there will be enough room for it to pass through the pelvis. If the labor is not progressing, or that the baby is becoming distressed, then the doctor will recommend a caesarean delivery.
There are several conditions, which increase the chances of brow presentation. The brow presentation usually takes place because of :
It is very difficult to detect brow presentation until labor is well established. A highly experienced obstetrician and close observation can help to know the position better. Ultrasound test or digital exam is considered mandatory for monitoring closely. On vaginal examination, only the distinctive facial features can be felt. If the head rotates less, vaginal delivery becomes impossible and cesarean delivery is the only way out.
When the baby is in brow presentation, the labor will not progress as it should and prolonged labor can result in fetal distress, calling for an immediate C-section. However, if the baby picks up brow presentation and your cervix is fully dilated, there are two procedures through which the doctors try to avoid the need of C-section.
If both these methods fail, then the doctor will go ahead with the decision to perform a caesarean.
There are several complications associated with a brow presentation if vaginal delivery is attempted without proper measures.
If it is your first delivery, it is very unlikely that your baby will be in a brow presentation. Also if you had a brow presentation in one delivery, it doesn’t mean that it will definitely happen in your next delivery. Once you are closer to your delivery date, make sure you do not miss any of your doctor appointments.It is advisable to follow your doctor’s instructions from the very beginning of your pregnancy. Make sure you take all precautionary measures to avoid any kind of uneasiness. Have a balanced diet and sufficient rest. Keep yourself positive as you get ready for a healthy delivery.
Have a safe and happy pregnancy!
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