What is the proper term for the baby's presentation where the head is down?

The correct term for the baby's presentation where the head is down is known as the vertex presentation. This term specifically describes the position of the fetus when the head (the vertex) is positioned closest to the birth canal, allowing for the most straightforward path for delivery during labor. In this position, the baby's head is flexed forward, which is ideal for a safe and effective delivery.

While cephalic presentation is often used interchangeably with vertex presentation, cephalic specifically refers to any head-down position. Vertex presentation, however, is more precise, indicating that the presenting part is indeed the top of the head, rather than just being in a head-down orientation.

Breech presentation refers to any situation where the baby's buttocks or feet are positioned to come out first, while transverse presentation indicates that the baby is lying sideways in the uterus. These positions can complicate labor and delivery, making recognition of the optimal vertex presentation critical in maternity care.