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External cephalic version as an alternative to breech delivery and cesarean section
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1984
Summary
External cephalic version (ECV) is a common obstetric procedure in Europe but not the US. While data is limited, ECV may be a valuable conservative option for breech presentation in various settings.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Medical History
Background:
- External cephalic version (ECV) involves manipulating a breech-presenting fetus to a head-down position.
- ECV is prevalent in traditional ethno-obstetric systems and European scientific obstetrics.
- In the US, ECV is rarely practiced and not taught in medical training, with breech delivery or cesarean section being standard.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the historical and cross-cultural prevalence of ECV.
- To describe various methods used for fetal version.
- To assess the risks associated with the ECV procedure.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and cross-cultural data on External cephalic version (ECV) practices.
- Description of different techniques employed for fetal version.
- Analysis of available literature on the risks and outcomes of ECV.
Main Results:
- External cephalic version (ECV) has a varied history and global distribution.
- Multiple methods exist for performing ECV.
- Current data is insufficient to definitively support or reject ECV.
Conclusions:
- External cephalic version (ECV) may be a viable conservative management strategy for breech presentation.
- ECV could be particularly beneficial in developing countries with established midwifery skills for version.
- Further research is needed to fully evaluate the safety and efficacy of ECV.