Which scenario is a potential complication of vaginal breech delivery?

• A. Entrapment of the fetal head after delivery of the pelvis and shoulders
• B. Respiratory depression
• C. Uterine rupture
• D. Cord prolapse

Answer: (A)

In vaginal breech delivery, the body can be delivered more easily than the head, so the head is often the last part to pass through the birth canal. After the pelvis and shoulders are out, the head may become stuck inside the birth canal if it cannot negotiate the pelvis or if the uterus isn’t relaxing enough. This entrapment is a classic, time-critical complication because it blocks the final delivery and can rapidly compromise fetal oxygenation unless promptly managed with specific maneuvers to facilitate head delivery or, if necessary, expedited cesarean.

Cord prolapse can occur with breech presentations, but the scenario described—head becoming entrapped after the trunk is delivered—directly reflects the distinctive risk of breech births and explains why it’s the best answer.