[Acid-base equilibrium of fetuses delivered by breech presentation]

Acid-base balance of fetus in capillary and umbilical blood has been examined in two series of newborns: 30 newborns delivered by breech presentation and 15 newborns delivered spontaneously by vetex presentation without complications. Following parameters have been evaluated: pH, pCO2, BE and HCO3 (actual bicarbonate content). Differences between the parameters of acid-base balance, mainly the values of pH and pCO2 in capillary blood and in a. umbilicalis of the fetus direct to the fact that acidosis of the fetus with elevated values of pCO2 is a typical finding in labors by breech presentation and is due to compression of umbilical vessels during labor.