Induction of labor at term following external cephalic version in nulliparous women is associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery

Purpose: To determine whether induction of labor (IOL) after successful external cephalic version (ECV) is associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery (CD) compared with IOL with spontaneous cephalic presentation. Methods: Retrospective case–control study. All women having IOL after successful ECV were eligible. Each woman in the study group was matched for parity, age and indication for induction with two consecutive controls having IOL and spontaneous cephalic presentation. The primary outcome measure was CD. Secondary outcomes measures were operative vaginal delivery, perineal tear/episiotomy and post-partum hemorrhage. Results: 79 women enrolled in the study group were matched with 158 controls. The overall incidence of CD was significantly higher in the study group compared with the control group (20.3 vs. 10.1 %; OR 2.25, 95 % CI 1.06–4.79, P = 0.03). After dividing the groups according to parity, the difference in the CD rate remained statistically significant for nulliparous women (36.7 vs. 15 %; OR 3.28, 95 % CI 1.17–9.16, P = 0.02), but not for multiparous women (10.2 vs. 7.1 %; OR 1.48, 95 % CI 0.44–4.92, P = 0.53). There was no significant difference in adjusted odds ratios for secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Induction of labor after successful ECV in nulliparous women increased the risk of CD compared with IOL with spontaneous cephalic presentation.