Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
Massive feto-maternal haemorrhage with good perinatal outcome following failed external cephalic version
M Shankar1, G W Gough, S Chakravarti
1Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln, UK. meena_shankar@hotmail.com
Objective:
To reinforce the risk of feto-maternal haemorrhage associated with external cephalic version for breech presentation.
Method:
A single case report with a literature review.
Results:
Our case report was associated with the largest feto-maternal haemorrhage following external cephalic version reported so far. The perinatal outcome in this case was favourable despite a significant amount of fetal haemorrhage. The literature review did include cases with unfavourable outcomes. No reliable method of monitoring fetuses with feto-maternal haemorrhage has been reported, although middle cerebral artery Doppler studies appear to show promise.
Conclusion:
External cephalic version is useful in the management of breech presentations at term, but it is not without risks and clinicians need to be aware of this.
