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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
Ultrasound factors to predict the outcome of external cephalic version: a meta-analysis
M Kok1, J Cnossen, L Gravendeel
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mkok@amc.uva.nl
Objective:
To systematically review the medical literature reporting on ultrasound factors that can be predictive for the outcome of an attempt at external cephalic version (ECV).
Methods:
MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Studies reporting on potential ultrasound prognosticators and ECV success rates that allowed construction of a 2x2 table were selected.
Results:
We selected 37 primary articles reporting on 7709 women. Posterior placental location (odds ratio (OR), 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5-2.4), complete breech position (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.9-2.8) and an amniotic fluid index>10 (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.1) were predictors of successful ECV.
Conclusion:
Success of an ECV attempt is associated with ultrasound parameters such as fetal position, amniotic fluid and placental location. This knowledge can be used to develop a prognostic model to predict successful ECV.
