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Induction of labor in breech presentation.
N Rojansky1, A Tsafrir, E Ophir
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Division of Perinatology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel. rojan@cc.huji.ac.il
Summary
Induction of labor for breech presentation is a safe option. This study found comparable outcomes and cesarean rates between induced and spontaneous breech labor, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Breech presentation deliveries are often managed via cesarean section.
- Induction of labor for breech presentation is infrequently reported but not contraindicated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and outcomes of labor induction in term breech presentation.
- To review the literature on this controversial obstetrical practice.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study (1980-1999) of 53 term breech deliveries induced.
- Compared outcomes with 53 spontaneous breech labors and 54 elective cesarean sections.
- Induction methods included prostaglandin E2, oxytocin, and nipple stimulation.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in maternal or fetal outcomes were observed between groups.
- Cesarean section rates were similar: 34% in the induced group versus 32% in the spontaneous labor control group.
- Approximately two-thirds of women in the induced group delivered vaginally.
Conclusions:
- Labor induction appears to be a safe and reasonable approach for carefully selected breech presentation cases.
- Proper patient selection and meticulous management are key to successful outcomes.