Outcome of breech deliveries in cameroonian nulliparous women

To evaluate nulliparous breech delivery so as to determine prognostic factors for an unsafe vaginal delivery (VD).

This retrospective and descriptive study was carried out in the University Teaching Hospital Yaoundé-Cameroon, from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009. Files of 126 women with singletons in breech presentation and normal fetal heart beats at a gestational age ≥32 weeks were reviewed with a trial of VD ordered in 104. The parameters recorded were mother's age, gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight, 5th minute Apgar scores, neonatal outcome, and use of episiotomy.

The results showed that 84 (66.7 %) had a successful VD. Failure of VD or poor Apgar score after VD were observed if fetal weight ≥3,500 or <1,800 g, footling breech, maternal age >28 or <19 years, post term, and rigid cervix.

Elective cesarean section should be systematic if the unsafe circumstances above mentioned are present.