Efficacy of external cephalic version with tocolysis in late pregnancy

To study the success rate and identify factors influencing the success rate of external cephalic. version (ECV) at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital.

Prospective descriptive study.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital.

All parturients attending the obstetrics unit at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital between October 1, 1997 and September 30, 2006, having completed 36 or more gestational weeks with singleton non-vertex fetus, who had no exclusion criteria for ECVwere given full information concerning a trial of ECV risk of cesarean section, and risk of emergency breech deliveries. Those who chose to undergo ECV after counseling were recruited and gave signed consent. One hundred and forty singleton, pregnant women with non-vertex presentation participated in this study.

The success rate of ECV was 71.43%. Birth weight significantly affected the success rate of ECV Maternal weight, parity, gestational age, and placental site did not have any effect on the outcome. All fetuses in the present study were subsequently delivered without significant morbidity and no cases of perinatal mortality were recorded.

ECV is a safe procedure with a high success rate in selective cases. ECV thus, is an effective alternative practice for non-vertex presentation, which can also reduce the rate of breech delivery and cesarean section. The major benefits of external cephalic version are reduced maternal morbidity and mortality from surgery.