Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
The use of atosiban and ritodrine in external cephalic version
Iosifina Stergiotou1, Fleur Talbot, Wai Yoong
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK.
Objective:
To compare the efficacy of atosiban and ritodrine as tocolytic agents for successful external cephalic version (ECV). Factors affecting the success of ECV, as well as maternal and perinatal outcomes are reviewed.
Method:
A retrospective review of women who underwent ECV with either atosiban (2004) or ritodrine (2002).
Results:
Atosiban and ritodrine were similarly effective (28 versus 41%, p>0.05). Side effects were more common with ritodrine. No significant adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes were recorded following procedures with either tocolytic.
Conclusion:
Atosiban is a safe choice for ECV with less maternal side effects. However, it is no more effective than ritodrine and the benefit of safety has to be balanced against that of cost.
