臀位原因尚不明确。可能诱发臀位的因素包括,早产,小于胎龄儿,初产,胎儿先天畸形,羊水量异常,胎盘或子宫异常,以及前次臀位分娩史。[5]Roberts CL, Peat B, Algert CS, et al. Term breech birth in New South Wales, 1990-1997. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2000;40:23-29.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10870774?tool=bestpractice.com[6]Roberts CL, Algert CS, Peat B, et al. Small fetal size: a risk factor for breech birth at term. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1999;67:1-8.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10576233?tool=bestpractice.com[7]Brar HS, Platt LD, DeVore GR, et al. Fetal umbilical velocimetry for the surveillance of pregnancies complicated by placenta previa. J Reprod Med. 1988;33:741-744.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3050077?tool=bestpractice.com[8]Kian L. The role of the placental site in the aetiology of breech presentation. J Obstet Gynecol. 1963;710:795-797.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14071840?tool=bestpractice.com[9]Rayl J, Gibson PJ, Hickok DE. A population-based case-control study of risk factors for breech presentation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1996;174:28-32.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8572022?tool=bestpractice.com 以上因素均可导致胎儿并发症发病率及死亡率升高。