P03.1: Fetus and newborn affected by other malpresentation, malposition and disproportion during labour and delivery

Difficulties during the birth caused damage to health.

In the final weeks of pregnancy, the child turns to the birth position. The child’s head then normally points downwards and lies in the mother’s pelvis. The child’s face usually faces the mother’s back and the child’s head is bent towards its chest. The child’s back is turned to the right or left side of the mother.

The child may be in an unusual position in the womb at birth. For example, the child may be lying crossways in the stomach, so that it does not enter the birth canal in the usual way.

The birth canal is the child's pathway through the womb at birth. The mother's pelvis, for example, forms part of the birth canal. Changes to the mother's pelvis or surrounding areas can also result in the child not passing through the birth canal in the usual way. If the child is too big in relation to the mother's pelvis, too, there may be difficulties with the birth. The child can get stuck with one shoulder in the birth canal, for example.

During the birth the child's health can be damaged as a result of difficulties related either to the mother or child. For example, an injury may occur, or there may be problems with the oxygen supply.