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External cephalic version at term with tocolysis and vibroacoustic stimulation
V Annapoorna1, S Arulkumaran, C Anandakumar
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Summary
External cephalic version (ECV) after 36 weeks gestation significantly reduces cesarean section rates for breech presentation. This procedure offers a safer alternative to non-intervention for breech babies.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Breech presentation after 36 weeks gestation poses delivery challenges.
- External cephalic version (ECV) is an intervention to change fetal presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare obstetric outcomes in women undergoing ECV for breech presentation versus those not attempting ECV.
- To determine if ECV reduces breech deliveries and cesarean section rates.
Main Methods:
- A study group of 200 women underwent ECV with tocolysis and vibroacoustic stimulation.
- A control group of 278 women with breech presentation did not attempt ECV.
Main Results:
- Successful ECV resulted in a 14.0% cesarean section rate.
- The overall cesarean section rate in the study group was 32.5%.
- The control group had a 51.4% cesarean section rate, similar to the unsuccessful ECV group (55.2%).
Conclusions:
- ECV after 36 weeks gestation significantly lowers breech deliveries and cesarean section rates.
- The study findings support earlier randomized trials on the efficacy of ECV.