Which term refers to the normal headfirst delivery of a baby?

The term that refers to the normal headfirst delivery of a baby is "cephalic presentation." In obstetrics, cephalic presentation indicates that the fetus is positioned such that the head will emerge first during birth. This is the ideal position for delivery, as it minimizes complications and facilitates a smoother labor process.

In cephalic presentation, the baby's chin is typically tucked to its chest, allowing the occiput (the back of the head) to be the presenting part. This position aligns well with the woman's pelvic outlet, making labor and delivery more efficient. The vertex presentation, while also referring to a head-first delivery, specifically describes when the crown of the head is the part that comes out first; hence, it is a subset of cephalic presentation.

Understanding the different types of presentations is crucial for EMTs and healthcare professionals, as abnormal positions like transverse or breech presentations can lead to complications requiring immediate medical intervention during delivery.