What is a frank breech?

What is a frank breech?

• A. Buttocks first with legs straight up, feet near the head
• B. Feet first
• C. Head first
• D. Shoulders first

Answer: (A)

A frank breech is a breech presentation where the buttocks present first and the legs are folded up against the chest with the feet near the head. In this type, the presenting part is the buttocks, not the head, and the hips are flexed while the knees are extended. This is distinct from other breech forms, such as a footling breech (feet or a leg presenting first) or a complete breech (buttocks presenting with the hips and knees both flexed). Understanding this helps anticipate delivery dynamics and the need for rapid transport and specific supportive care during a breech birth.

A frank breech is a breech presentation where the buttocks present first and the legs are folded up against the chest with the feet near the head. In this type, the presenting part is the buttocks, not the head, and the hips are flexed while the knees are extended. This is distinct from other breech forms, such as a footling breech (feet or a leg presenting first) or a complete breech (buttocks presenting with the hips and knees both flexed). Understanding this helps anticipate delivery dynamics and the need for rapid transport and specific supportive care during a breech birth.