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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 28, 2010
Matched cohort study of external cephalic version in women with previous cesarean delivery
Anish Keepanasseril1, Keerthana Anand1, Subrahmanian Soundara Raghavan1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of external cephalic version (ECV) among women with previous cesarean delivery.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted using data for women with previous cesarean delivery and breech presentation who underwent ECV at or after 36 weeks of pregnancy during 2011-2016. For every case, two multiparous women without previous cesarean delivery who underwent ECV and were matched for age and pregnancy duration were included. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups.
Results:
ECV was successful for 32 (84.2%) of 38 women with previous cesarean delivery and 62 (81.6%) in the control group (P=0.728). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that previous cesarean was not associated with ECV success (odds ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval 0.19-18.47; P=0.244). Successful vaginal delivery after successful ECV was reported for 19 (59.4%) women in the previous cesarean delivery group and 52 (83.9%) in the control group (P<0.001). No ECV-associated complications occurred in women with previous cesarean delivery.
Conclusion:
To avoid a repeat cesarean delivery, ECV can be offered to women with breech presentation and previous cesarean delivery who are otherwise eligible for a trial of labor.
