Outcome of 496 term singleton breech deliveries in a tertiary center

Yair Daniel, Gideon Fait, Joseph B. Lessing, Ariel Jaffa, Menachem P. David, Michael J. Kupferminc*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

The study was conducted to compare the neonatal and maternal outcome of breech infants delivered vaginally at term with those delivered by cesarean section. All singleton term breech deliveries between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 1994 were reviewed (n = 496). Criteria for eligibility for vaginal trial of labor included: frank or complete breech presentation, estimated fetal weight of 2000-3800 g, no hyperextension of the fetal head and no history of uterine scar (group A, n = 283). Patients who did not fulfill these criteria, or had an abnormal pelvimetry, were delivered by cesarean section without a trial of labor (group B, n = 213). In group A, 226 patients (80%) delivered vaginally, and 57 (20%) patients underwent a cesarean section; 70% of the nulliparae and 89% of the multiparae delivered vaginally. No differences were observed between the groups in gestational week, number of nulliparae, pregnancy complications, and rates of epidural analgesia. However, maternal age and birth weight were significantly higher in group B. No maternal or perinatal mortality occurred. The incidences of 5- min Apgar score <7, birth trauma, neonatal complications, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions were similar between the groups and in the nulliparae and multiparae of each group. Maternal morbidity was significantly lower in patients who delivered vaginally. We conclude that a trial of labor in breech presentation based on appropriate selective criteria, and an active policy of labor management performed by experienced physicians, will facilitate safe delivery in most nulliparae and multiparae.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)96-101
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Perinatology
Volume15
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1998

Keywords

  • Maternal outcome
  • Nulliparous
  • Perinatal outcome
  • Trial of labor
  • Vaginal breech delivery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Outcome of 496 term singleton breech deliveries in a tertiary center'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this