Face presentation in modern obstetrics--a study with special reference to fetal long term morbidity

Thirty-one cases of face presentation were analyzed with regard to obstetric management and long-term outcome. Vaginal delivery occurred in 14 of 15 mentum anterior face presentations whereas only one of 16 patients with a mentum transverse of mentum posterior face presentation were delivered vaginally. Face presentation was associated with an increased incidence of variable decelerations. At follow-up (2-12 years) one infant had a neurological sequelae which could be associated to the delivery in face presentation. The implication of these findings for the management of face presentations is discussed.