A procedure in which a doctor attempts to reposition a fetus in the uterus to avoid a breech delivery by applying slow, steady pressure to the pregnant woman’s abdomen. If a fetus is in a breech presentation (buttocks or feet first instead of head first) after the 36th week of pregnancy, external version may be used to turn the head of the fetus downward.
Improving the presentation of an unengaged fetus by placing one’s hands on the mother’s abdomen and pushing, turning, or rotating the fetus.