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Updated: May 18, 2026
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External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
Contraindications for external cephalic version in breech position at term: a systematic review.
Ageeth N Rosman1, Aline Guijt, Floortje Vlemmix
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. a.n.rosman@amc.uva.nl
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|September 22, 2012
Summary
National guidelines recommend external cephalic version (ECV) to prevent breech births, but contraindications lack empirical support. This review found no consensus on ECV eligibility, suggesting limitations to evidence-based contraindications.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- External cephalic version (ECV) is a recommended intervention to prevent breech delivery and reduce cesarean rates.
- National guidelines provide contraindications for ECV, potentially limiting its application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if contraindications for ECV in national guidelines are based on empirical data.
- To evaluate the reproducibility and evidence supporting ECV contraindications.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing guidelines and relevant literature.
- Searched multiple databases for guidelines and studies on ECV contraindications.
- Analyzed the reproducibility and evidence base of stated contraindications.
Main Results:
- Five guidelines listed 18 contraindications, with significant variation between them.
- Oligohydramnios was the only contraindication consistently mentioned across guidelines.
- A literature search identified 39 contraindications, but evidence could only be assessed for six.
Conclusions:
- There is a lack of general consensus on patient eligibility for ECV.
- Contraindications for ECV should be limited to those with clear empirical evidence or pathophysiological relevance.
