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[External cephalic version for breech presentation at term: an effective procedure to reduce the caesarean section
A Lojacono1, G Donarini, A Valcamonico
1Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia.
Minerva Ginecologica
|December 17, 2003
Summary
External cephalic version (ECV) is a safe procedure that successfully converts breech presentations to vertex, reducing the need for C-sections and risks associated with vaginal breech birth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Perinatal Care
Context:
- Term breech presentation occurs in 3-5% of births, often leading to cesarean delivery.
- Vaginal breech delivery poses increased risks for mother and fetus.
- External cephalic version (ECV) manipulates the fetus from breech to cephalic presentation.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ECV in increasing vertex presentations.
- To reduce the rate of cesarean sections for term breech presentations.
- To decrease maternal and fetal complications associated with breech presentation.
Summary:
- A study of 89 women with term breech presentation undergoing ECV showed a success rate of 42.7%.
- The procedure was safe, with only transient fetal bradycardia reported.
- Successful ECV led to a high rate of uncomplicated vaginal delivery (84.2%), significantly reducing C-section rates.
Impact:
- ECV is an effective obstetric maneuver to increase cephalic presentation rates.
- It offers a safe alternative to planned cesarean delivery for term breech.
- Successful ECV can decrease operative delivery rates and associated maternal morbidity.