Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
08:49
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
Vaginal delivery of breech presentation
Andrew Kotaska1, Savas Menticoglou2, Robert Gagnon3
1Yellowknife NT.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|August 4, 2009
Summary
Careful selection and management can make vaginal breech birth as safe as Cesarean section for carefully chosen women. This guideline provides criteria for labor selection, intrapartum management, and delivery techniques for successful vaginal breech births.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Vaginal breech birth carries higher risks of perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity compared to Cesarean section.
- Careful case selection and modern labor management can achieve safety levels comparable to elective Cesarean section.
- Planned vaginal delivery is a reasonable option for selected women with term singleton breech fetuses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review breech birth physiology.
- To evaluate risks and benefits of trial of labor versus planned Cesarean section.
- To recommend criteria, management, and techniques for vaginal breech birth.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of randomized trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies.
- Evidence reviewed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) Maternal Fetal Medicine Committee.
- Guidelines compared with those from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Main Results:
- With careful selection and management, perinatal mortality is approximately 2 per 1000 births, and serious neonatal morbidity is approximately 2%.
- Long-term neurological outcomes for infants do not differ based on planned mode of delivery.
- Specific recommendations provided for labor selection criteria, labor management, and delivery techniques.
Conclusions:
- Planned vaginal breech delivery is reasonable for selected women with appropriate case selection and labor management.
- Continuous fetal heart monitoring and readiness for emergency Cesarean section are crucial.
- Enhanced training for healthcare providers in vaginal breech delivery techniques is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
01:19Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...
01:11Anatomical Positions
In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
01:18Uterus and Cervix
The uterus, commonly called the womb, is a vital reproductive organ in females designed to provide a nurturing environment for the implantation and growth of an embryo. It is shaped like a hollow pear and positioned between the urinary bladder and the rectum. The uterus's structure allows it to support and protect a developing fetus throughout pregnancy.
The uterus is securely anchored within the pelvic cavity by paired broad ligaments on either side. It is further stabilized by three pairs of...
The uterus is securely anchored within the pelvic cavity by paired broad ligaments on either side. It is further stabilized by three pairs of...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...