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Updated: May 31, 2026
08:49
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
External cephalic version of non-cephalic presentation; is it worthwhile?
Tomas Gottvall1, Charlotte Ginstman
1Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden. tomas.gottvall@lio.se
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|June 21, 2011
Summary
External cephalic version (ECV) in late pregnancy is successful in 62% of cases. Factors like more amniotic fluid and transverse fetal position improve success, potentially reducing cesarean births.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure to manually turn a fetus from a breech to a cephalic presentation before labor.
- Cesarean delivery rates are increasing, highlighting the need for effective methods to achieve vaginal birth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with successful external cephalic version (ECV) in late third-trimester pregnancies.
- To evaluate the impact of successful ECV on delivery mode and neonatal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 186 consecutive external cephalic versions (ECV) performed late in the third trimester.
- Logistic regression was used to analyze background factors influencing ECV success.
Main Results:
- The overall success rate for ECV was 62%.
- Multiparity, higher amniotic fluid index, and transverse fetal position were significantly correlated with successful ECV.
- Following successful ECV, 84% of fetuses were delivered vaginally.
- No severe complications were observed, and all neonates had normal Apgar scores.
Conclusions:
- External cephalic version (ECV) is a safe and effective procedure for increasing vaginal birth rates in late-term pregnancies.
- Attempting ECV, even twice, is recommended to reduce cesarean section rates, potentially benefiting future pregnancies.
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