antenatal screening programme
Fetal presentation in pregnancy
In most pregnancies, babies are positioned head-down (cephalic) rather than bottom or feet first (breech position) or lying sideways (transverse position).
Pregnant women are more likely to undergo an emergency caesarean section if non-cephalic fetal presentation is undetected before they go into labour. This puts mother and baby at increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Other potential consequences include an increased risk of childhood disability, spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy.
UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in March 2021.
A 2019 annual call submission proposed screening all pregnant women for fetal presentation using a handheld ultrasound device during routine antenatal appointments at around 36 weeks’ gestation.
The aim of screening would be to detect babies who are not head-down and to offer options to help manipulate the baby’s position to become head-down, or offer a planned caesarean birth, to minimise harm to mother and baby.
The UK NSC had not previously considered screening for fetal presentation. The committee agreed that the topic fell within its remit and commissioned an evidence map which found limited but promising evidence.
The evidence map, published in 2021, recommended that fetal presentation should be added to the list of topics that the UK NSC regularly reviews.
Supporting documents from the 2021 review
Fetal presentation evidence map 2021
This document investigates whether a more detailed review can be conducted based on the available evidence.
Review cycle
Date previous review completed: 2021
Next review estimated to be completed: 2026 to 2027.
To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.
Organisations interested in Fetal presentation in pregnancy
These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.
List of organisations
- Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services
- BLISS
- British Association of Perinatal Medicine
- British Maternal & Fetal Medicine Society
- Faculty of Public Health
- HSIB Maternity Investigation Programme
- National Childbirth Trust
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- Royal College of Midwives
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- Royal College of Physicians
- Society of Radiographers
- Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity
- The Birth Trauma Association
If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.