Footling breech presentation refers to which scenario?

• A. the head presenting first
• B. one or both feet are over the cervix
• C. the buttocks presenting first
• D. shoulders presenting first

Answer: (B)

Footling breech means one or both feet are the part that presents at the cervix, instead of the head or buttocks. In this scenario, the lowest presenting part is a foot that extends into the birth canal first. This is distinct from a head-first vertex presentation or other breech types where the buttocks are first. Because the feet are delivering before the head, there’s a higher risk of umbilical cord prolapse and delivery becomes more complicated, often leading to planned cesarean birth or careful management if a vaginal delivery is attempted. The key idea is that the presenting part is a foot rather than the head or buttocks.