What is the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) code for a newborn affected by breech presentation?

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ICD-10 Code for Newborn Affected by Breech Presentation

The ICD-10 code for a newborn affected by breech presentation is P03.0.

This code falls under the category of "Newborn affected by maternal complications of pregnancy" and specifically designates "Newborn affected by breech delivery and extraction" 1.

Code Classification Context

  • The P03.0 code is part of the broader ICD-10 classification system used internationally to standardize disease and condition reporting 1
  • This code is specifically assigned to newborns who experienced complications or were affected by breech presentation during delivery, not to the mother's delivery record 1
  • The code applies regardless of whether delivery was vaginal or by cesarean section, as long as the breech presentation affected the newborn 1

When to Apply This Code

  • Use P03.0 when documenting any newborn who was delivered from breech presentation and experienced related complications or required special monitoring 1
  • The code is appropriate even if the infant appears well initially, as breech presentation itself represents a risk factor requiring documentation 2, 3
  • This code should be used in conjunction with any specific complication codes (such as birth trauma, respiratory issues, or need for NICU admission) that resulted from the breech delivery 2

Clinical Significance of Documentation

  • Proper coding is essential because breech presentation is associated with increased perinatal morbidity, including higher rates of cord compression, nuchal arm complications, and difficulty delivering the aftercoming head 4
  • Neonates delivered from breech presentation have higher admission rates to neonatal intensive care units (approximately 8.5-13.2% depending on delivery mode) compared to vertex presentations 2
  • Accurate coding allows for appropriate tracking of outcomes and resource allocation for these higher-risk deliveries 3

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Neonatal admission rate after vaginal breech delivery.

Journal of perinatal medicine, 2022

Research

Breech presentation: Clinical practice guidelines from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF).

European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 2020

Research

Intrapartum management of breech presentation.

Clinics in perinatology, 1996

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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