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Most studies comparing vaginal breech delivery (VBD) with cesarean breech delivery (CBD) have been conducted in high-income settings. It is uncertain whether these results are applicable in a low-income setting. To assess the neonatal and maternal mortality and morbidity for singleton VBD compared to CBD in low- and lower-middle-income settings,the PubMed database was searched from January 1, 2000, to January 23, 2020 (updated April 21, 2021). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs comparing singleton VBD with singleton CBD in low- and lower-middle-income settings reporting infant mortality were selected. Two authors independently assessed papers for eligibility and risk of bias. The primary outcome was relative risk of perinatal mortality. Meta-analysis was conducted on applicable outcomes. Eight studies (one RCT, seven observational) (12 510 deliveries) were included. VBD increased perinatal mortality (relative risk [RR] 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82-3.91; one RCT, five observational studies, 3289 women) and risk of 5-minute Apgar score below 7 (RR 3.91, 95% CI 1.90-8.04; three observational studies, 430 women) compared to CBD. There was a higher risk of hospitalization and postpartum bleeding in CBD. Most of the studies were deemed to have moderate or serious risk of bias. CBD decreases risk of perinatal mortality but increases risk of bleeding and hospitalization., (© 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Background: The effect on neonatal mortality of mode of delivery of a fetus in breech presentation at an extremely preterm gestational age remains controversial., Objective: To compare mortality associated with planned vaginal delivery (PVD) of fetuses in breech presentation with that of fetuses in breech presentation with a planned cesarean delivery (PCD)., Material and Methods: Retrospective study reviewing records over a 19-year period in a level 3 university referral center of singleton infants born between 25+0 and 27+6 weeks of gestation, alive on arrival in the delivery room, and weighing at least 500 grams at birth. Infants in the first group were in breech presentation with PVD and the second in breech presentation with PCD. The principal endpoint was neonatal death., Results: During the study period, we observed 113 breech presentations with PVD, and 80 breech presentations with PCD. Although not significant after adjustment, neonatal mortality in the breech PVD group was more than twice that of the breech PCD group (19.5 vs 7.8%, P = 0.031, ORa = 2.6, 95% CI 0.8-9.3, NNT = 8). This higher neonatal mortality in the breech PVD group was exclusively associated with a higher risk of death in the delivery room (12.4 vs 0.0% P = 0.001, OR not calculable, NNT = 8). In these extremely preterm breech presentations with PVD, neonatal mortality in the delivery room was associated with entrapment of the aftercoming head, cord prolapse, and a short duration of labor., Conclusion: For deliveries between 25+0 and 27+6 weeks' gestation, vaginal delivery in breech presentation is associated with a higher risk of death in the delivery room., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction: Cesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide. One constant indication is the breech presentation at term. By offering external cephalic version (ECV) and vaginal breech delivery CS rates can be further reduced., Objective: This study aimed to analyze the ECV at 38 weeks of gestation with the associate uptake rate, predicting factors, success rate, and complications at a tertiary healthcare provider in Germany specializing in vaginal breech delivery., Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study with retrospective data acquisition. All women with a singleton fetus in breech presentation presenting after 34 weeks of gestation for counseling between 2013 and 2017 were included. ECV impact factors were analyzed using logistic regression., Results: A total of 1,598 women presented for breech birth planning. ECV was performed on 353 patients. The overall success rate was 22.4%. A later week of gestation (odds ratio [OR] 1.69), an abundant amniotic fluid index (AFI score) (OR 5.74), fundal (OR 3.78) and anterior (OR 0.39) placental location, and an oblique lie (OR 9.08) were significantly associated with successful ECV in our population. No major complications were observed. The overall vaginal delivery rates could be increased to approximately 14% with ECV., Conclusion: The demand for alternative birth modes other than CS for breech birth is high in the area of Frankfurt, Germany. Our study offers evidence of the safety of ECV at 38 weeks. Centers with expertise in vaginal breech delivery and ECV can reduce CS-rates. To further establish vaginal breech delivery and ECV as alternate options, the required knowledge and skill should be implemented in the revised curricula., Competing Interests: Prof. Frank Louwen is first vice president of the German Society for Gynaecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), council member of the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) and Executive Board Member und Committee chairman of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Prof. Frank Louwen und Dr. Cover Letter Lukas Jennewein worked on the first German S3-Guideline for cesarean section published in 2020. Ann-Sophie Zielbauer declares no relevant conflicts of interest. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Objective: To assess neonatal morbidity and mortality according to whether cephalic second twins were born after internal version followed by total breech extraction or after instructions to push. We hypothesized that interval version would result in shorter intertwin delivery intervals and lower cesarean delivery rates for the second twin and therefore better neonatal outcomes., Methods: These planned analyses of the JUMODA (JUmeaux MODe d'Accouchement) cohort, a national prospective population-based study of twin deliveries, examined births of cephalic second twins after vaginal birth of the first twin at or after 32 weeks of gestation. The internal version group of second twins born in breech presentation after obstetric maneuvers was compared with the pushing group, comprising those born in cephalic presentation. The primary outcome was a composite of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Multivariate modified Poisson regression models were used to control for potential confounders., Results: Of 2,256 cephalic second twins, 487 (21.6%) were born in breech presentation after internal version and total breech extraction and 1,769 (78.4%) in cephalic presentation after pushing. Composite neonatal morbidity and mortality was not lower in the internal version (17/487 [3.5%]) compared with the pushing group (38/1,769 [2.1%]; adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.73 [95% CI 0.98-3.05]), although median [quartile 1-quartile 3] intertwin delivery intervals were shorter (5 [4-8] vs 8 [5-12] minutes, P<.001) and the cesarean delivery rate for the second twin lower (5/487 [1.0%] vs 66/1,769 [3.7%], P=.002). Subgroup analyses showed no difference between groups at or after 37 weeks of gestation but higher composite neonatal morbidity and mortality after internal version before 37 weeks (14/215 [6.5%] vs 26/841 [3.1%]; aRR 2.18 [95% CI 1.15-4.13]). Secondary analyses according to center expertise in the overall population and stratified by gestational age yielded concordant results., Conclusion: Although our sample size precluded a robust assessment for small differences in outcomes between groups, internal version followed by total breech extraction of cephalic second twins was not associated with better neonatal outcomes than pushing.

Objective: To compare neonatal mortality and morbidity of first twins according to the planned mode of delivery when the first twin is in breech presentation, in a country where planned vaginal delivery is an option., Methods: This is a planned secondary analysis of the JUMODA (JUmeaux MODe d'Accouchement) cohort, a national prospective population-based study of twin deliveries conducted in 176 French hospitals. We analyzed pregnancies with first twins in breech presentation and applied the inclusion criteria of the Twin Birth Study (except the criterion for first-twin presentation): both fetuses alive, with a birth weight between 1,500 g and 4,000 g, at or after 32 0/7 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was a composite of neonatal mortality and morbidity. We used multivariate Poisson regression models to control for potential confounders and propensity score analyses, that is, matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting to control for indication bias., Results: Among the 1,467 women with a breech-presenting first twin included in this analysis, 1,169 (79.7%) had planned cesarean and 298 (20.3%) planned vaginal births, of whom 185 (62.1%) delivered both twins vaginally. The neonatal mortality and severe morbidity rate for first twins was 1.7% (5/298) in the planned vaginal and 1.9% (22/1,169) in the planned cesarean delivery groups (crude relative risk [RR] 0.90, 95% CI 0.34-2.34). Planned vaginal delivery was not associated with higher neonatal mortality and morbidity than planned cesarean delivery, regardless of the statistical method used: adjusted RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.27-1.86; RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.20-1.83 after matching for propensity score; RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.23-1.74 with inverse probability of treatment weighting. Analyses of neonatal mortality and morbidity of second twins yielded similar results., Conclusion: Although our sample size precluded a robust assessment for small differences in outcomes between planned cesarean and planned vaginal delivery in twin pregnancies in which the first twin was in breech presentation, in our cohort planned vaginal delivery was not associated with higher neonatal mortality and morbidity for either twin.

Objective: Caesarean section (CS) may reduce mortality and morbidity for very preterm breech infants, but evidence is inconclusive. We evaluated neonatal outcomes for singleton breech infants by mode of delivery in a European cohort., Study Design: Data come from the EPICE population-based cohort of very preterm births in 19 regions in 11 European countries (7770 live births). The study population was singleton spontaneous-onset breech births at 24-31 weeks gestational age (GA) without antenatal medical complications requiring caesarean delivery (N = 572). Mixed-effects regression models adjusting for maternal and pregnancy covariates and propensity score matching was used to examine the effect of (1) CS and (2) a unit policy of systematic CS for breech presentation by GA. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality, intraventricular haemorrhage grades III & IV or cystic periventricular leukomalacia. Secondary outcomes were each component separately, five minute Apgar score below seven and mortality within six hours of delivery., Results: 64.4% of infants were delivered by CS with a range across regions from 41% to 100%; these infants had higher GA and were more likely to be small for gestational age, receive antenatal steroids, and have mothers who were hospitalised for more than one day before delivery compared to those delivered vaginally. CS was associated with lower risks of all outcomes in mixed-effects adjusted models (odds ratio (OR) for the composite outcome: 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30-0.81), but not in propensity score matched models (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.41; 1.29). A systematic CS policy was associated with lower mortality and morbidity in unadjusted, but not adjusted models (OR for composite outcome: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.44; 1.28). 35% of births 24-25 weeks were delivered by CS and protective effects were consistently stronger, but not statistically significant., Conclusions: Point estimates indicated protective effects of caesarean delivery for very preterm breech infants in conventional statistical models. However, analyses using propensity scores and based on unit policies did not confirm statistically significant associations. Prospective large-scale studies are needed to establish best practice and could be implemented in European regions where vaginal delivery remains an option., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Introduction: The routine to deliver almost all term breech cases by elective cesarean section (CS) has continued to be debated due to the risk of maternal and neonatal complications. The aims of the study were (1) to investigate if mode of delivery impacts on the risk of morbidity and mortality among term infants in breech presentation and (2) to compare the rates of severe neonatal complications and mortality in relation to presentation and mode of delivery., Methods: This population-based cohort study used data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. All women (and their newborn infants) with singleton pregnancies who gave birth at term to an infant in breech (n = 27,357) or cephalic presentation (n = 837,494) between 2001 and 2012 were included. Births with vacuum extraction and induced labors were excluded, as well as antepartum stillbirths, births with infants diagnosed with congenital malformations and multiple births., Results: On one hand, the rates of neonatal complications and mortality were higher among infants born in vaginal breech compared to the vaginal cephalic group. On the other hand, after CS, the rates of all neonatal complications under study and neonatal mortality were lower among infants in breech presentation than in those in cephalic presentation. After adjustment for confounders, infants delivered in vaginal breech had 23.8 times higher odds AOR (ratio) for brachial plexus injury, 13.3 times higher odds ratio for Apgar score <7 at 5 min, 6.7 times higher odds of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), or convulsions and 7.6 higher odds ratio for perinatal mortality than those delivered by elective CS., Conclusions: Despite a probable selection of women who before-hand were considered at low risk and, therefore, could be recommended vaginal breech delivery, infants delivered in vaginal breech faced substantially increased risks of severe neonatal complications compared with infants in breech presentations delivered by elective CS. Key message Vaginal breech delivery is associated with increased risk for severe neonatal complications.

Background: The safest delivery mode of extremely preterm breech singletons is unknown., Objectives: To determine safest delivery mode of actively resuscitated extremely preterm breech singletons., Search Strategy: We searched Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 1994 to May 2017., Selection Criteria: We included studies comparing outcomes by delivery mode in actively resuscitated breech infants between 23 +0 and 27 +6 weeks., Data Collection and Analysis: We synthesised data using random effects, generated odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals and number-needed-to-treat (NNT). Our primary outcomes were death (neonatal, before discharge, or by 6 months) and severe intraventricular haemorrhage (grades III/IV), stratified by gestational age (23 +0 -24 +6 , 25 +0 -26 +6 , 27 +0 -27 +6 weeks)., Main Results: We included 15 studies with 12 335 infants. We found that caesarean section was associated with a 41% decrease in odds of death between 23 +0 and 27 +6 weeks [odds ratio (OR) 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.95, NNT 8], with the greatest decrease at 23 +0 -24 +6 weeks (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.44-0.75, NNT 7). The OR at 25 +0 -26 +6 and 27 +0 -27 +6 weeks were 0.72 (95% CI 0.34-1.52) and 2.04 (95% CI 0.20-20.62), respectively. We found that caesarean section was associated with 49% decrease in odds of severe intraventricular haemorrhage between 23 +0 and 27 +6 weeks (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29-0.91, NNT 12), whereas the OR at 25 +0 -26 +6 and 27 +0 -27 +6 was 0.29 (95% CI 0.07-1.12) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.27-3.05), respectively., Conclusions: Caesarean section was associated with reductions in the odds of death by 41% and of severe intraventricular haemorrhage by 49% in actively resuscitated breech singletons < 28 weeks of gestation. The data are mostly observational, which may be inherently biased, and scarce on other morbidities, necessitating thorough discussion between parents and clinicians., Tweetable Abstract: Caesarean section associated with lower odds of death and severe intraventricular haemorrhage in actively resuscitated breech singletons <28 weeks., (© 2017 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.)

Objectives: Intrapartum-related complications are the second leading cause of neonatal death worldwide. We estimate the community-level risk and burden of intrapartum-related fetal/neonatal mortality and morbidity associated with non-cephalic and multiple birth in rural Sarlahi District, Nepal., Design: Community-based prospective cohort study., Setting: Rural Sarlahi District, Nepal., Participants: Pregnant women residing in the study area., Methods: We collected data on maternal background characteristics, conditions during labour and delivery, fetal presentation and multiple birth during home visits. We ran log-binomial regression models to estimate the associations between non-cephalic/multiple births and fresh stillbirth, early neonatal mortality and signs of neonatal encephalopathy, respectively, and calculated the per cent attributable fraction. To better understand the context under which these adverse birth outcomes are occurring, we also collected data on maternal awareness of non-cephalic presentation and multiple gestation prior to delivery., Primary Outcome Measures: Risk of experiencing fresh stillbirth, early neonatal encephalopathy and early neonatal mortality associated with non-cephalic and multiple birth, respectively., Results: Non-cephalic presentation had a particularly high risk of fresh stillbirth (aRR 12.52 (95% CI 7.86 to 19.95), reference: cephalic presentation). 20.2% of all fresh stillbirths were associated with non-cephalic presentation. For multiple births, there was a fourfold increase in early neonatal mortality (aRR: 4.57 (95% CI 1.44 to 14.50), reference: singleton births). 3.4% of early neonatal mortality was associated with multiple gestation., Conclusions: Globally and in Nepal, a large percentage of stillbirths and neonatal mortality is associated with intrapartum-related complications. Despite the low incidence of non-cephalic and multiple birth, a notable proportion of adverse intrapartum-related outcomes is associated with these conditions. As the proportion of neonatal deaths attributable to intrapartum-related complications continues to rise, there is a need to investigate how best to advance diagnostic capacity and management of these conditions., Trial Registration Number: NCT01177111; pre-results., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.)

Background: Breech deliveries have always been topical issues in obstetrics. Neonates undergoing term breech deliveries have long-term morbidity up to the school age irrespective of mode of delivery., Objective: To determine prevalence and perinatal outcomes of singleton term breech delivery., Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 participants retrospectively. Descriptive and analytical statistics was used., Result: A total of 384 breech deliveries were included. Prevalence of singleton breech deliveries in the hospital was 3.4%. The perinatal outcome of breech deliveries was 322 (83.9%). Adverse perinatal outcome of singleton term breech delivery was significantly associated with women's age of greater than or equal to 35 years (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.14-6.03), fully dilated cervix (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.25-0.91), ruptured membrane (AOR = 5.11, 95% CI = 2.25-11.6), and fetal weight of <2500 g (AOR = 6.77, 95% CI = 3.22-14.25)., Conclusion: Entrapment of head, birth asphyxia, and cord prolapse were the most common causes of perinatal mortality. Factors like fetal weight <2500 gm, mothers of age 35 years and above, those mothers not having a fully dilated cervix, and mothers with ruptured membrane were associated with increased perinatal mortality.

Objective: to assess the mode of childbirth and adverse neonatal outcomes in women with a breech presentation with or without an external cephalic version attempt, and to compare the mode of childbirth among women with successful ECV to women with a spontaneous cephalic presentation., Design: prospective matched cohort study., Setting: 25 clusters (hospitals and its referring midwifery practices) in the Netherlands. Data of the Netherlands perinatal registry for the matched cohort., Participants: singleton pregnancies from January 2011 to August 2012 with a fetus in breech presentation and a childbirth from 36 weeks gestation onwards. Spontaneous cephalic presentations (selected from national registry 2009 and 2010) were matched in a 2:1 ratio to cephalic presentations after a successful version attempt. Matching criteria were maternal age, parity, gestational age at childbirth and fetal gender. Main outcomes were mode of childbirth and neonatal outcomes., Measurements and Findings: of 1613 women eligible for external cephalic version, 1169 (72.5%) received an ECV attempt. The overall caesarean childbirth rate was significantly lower compared to women who did not receive a version attempt (57% versus 87%; RR 0.66 (0.62-0.70)). Women with a cephalic presentation after ECV compared to women with a spontaneous cephalic presentation had a decreased risk for instrumental vaginal childbirth (RR 0.52 (95% CI 0.29-0.94)) and an increased risk of overall caesarean childbirth (RR 1.7 (95%CI 1.2-2.5))., Key Conclusions: women who had a successful ECV are at increased risk for a caesarean childbirth but overall, ECV is an important tool to reduce the caesarean rate., Implication for Practice: ECV is an important tool to reduce the caesarean section rates., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Objective: To determine whether breech presentation is an independent risk factor for neonatal morbidity, mortality, or long-term neurologic morbidity in very preterm infants., Design: Prospective population-based cohort., Population: Singletons infants without congenital malformations born from 27 to 32 completed weeks of gestation enrolled in France in 1997 in the EPIPAGE cohort., Methods: The neonatal and long-term follow-up outcomes of preterm infants were compared between those in breech presentation and those in vertex presentation. The relation of fetal presentation with neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes was assessed using multiple logistic regression models., Results: Among the 1518 infants alive at onset of labor included in this analysis (351 in breech presentation), 1392 were alive at discharge. Among those eligible to follow up and alive at 8 years, follow-up data were available for 1188 children. Neonatal mortality was significantly higher among breech than vertex infants (10.8% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.05). However the differences were not significant after controlling for potential confounders. Neonatal morbidity did not differ significantly according to fetal presentation. Severe cerebral palsy was less frequent in the group born in breech compared to vertex presentation but there was no difference after adjustment. There was no difference according to fetal presentation in cognitive deficiencies/learning disabilities or overall deficiencies., Conclusion: Our data suggest that breech presentation is not an independent risk factor for neonatal mortality or long-term neurologic deficiencies among very preterm infants.

Objective: The mode of delivery for preterm breech is still controversial, while no randomized study has been completed. The question of a protective effect of cesarean section on neonatal outcome arises. The objective of this study was to compare mortality and neonatal morbidity for children born before 35 weeks of gestation in breech presentation, depending on the route of delivery., Methods: This was a retrospective study done in University Hospital type 3 over five years, comparing neonatal mortality and different neonatal morbidity criteria for children born between 25 weeks of gestation and 34 weeks+6 days spread into two groups according to their mode of delivery: elective caesarean section before labor and vaginal delivery. Statistical analysis was performed with an adjustment for gestational age and weight of the newborn., Results: No significant difference between the two groups was found with regard to neonatal mortality. Among the various morbidity criteria studied, only the head entrapment rate and serious traumatic injury occurrence were significantly increased in the "intent to vaginal delivery" group. pH at birth and Apgar scores at five minutes were not significantly different between the two groups., Conclusions: This work shows an increased risk of traumatic complications for vaginal delivery with no increase in other neonatal complications. It seems reasonable in this particular context to allow an attempt at vaginal delivery on condition of strict compliance with safety regulations relating to breech delivery., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the association between planned mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes in breech deliveries., Material and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study we studied singleton term breech deliveries in Norway from 1991 to 2011 (n = 30 861) using the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We compared planned vaginal delivery with planned cesarean delivery across two time periods: from 1 January 1991 to 31 October 2000 (first period) and from 1 November 2000 to 31 December 2011 (second period). Intrapartum and neonatal deaths were validated against source data in medical records, autopsy reports, and other relevant documents. The main outcome measures were intrapartum and neonatal mortality within the first 28 days of life, 5-min Apgar-scores <7 and <4, neonatal intensive care unit stays ≥4 days, respiratory morbidity, and intracranial bleeding disorders., Results: Rate of planned cesarean delivery increased from 34.4 to 51.3% over the period. Simultaneously, early neonatal mortality rate (0-6 days) declined (from 0.10% to 0.04%, p = 0.04). During the second period, 30.7% of term breech presentations were delivered vaginally. Eight deaths in the planned vaginal vs. four in the planned cesarean groups were observed (OR 2.11 95% CI 0.64-7.01). Neonatal morbidity outcomes were significantly worse in planned vaginal deliveries compared with planned cesarean deliveries in both periods., Conclusion: Overall intrapartum and neonatal mortality decreased during the entire period. Higher mortality in planned vaginal delivery relative to planned cesarean delivery in the second period was not statistically significant. However, neonatal morbidity was significantly higher in planned vaginal than planned cesarean deliveries in both periods. This warrants continuous surveillance of breech deliveries., (© 2015 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Objective: To compare neonatal morbidity and mortality rates in preterm singleton breech deliveries from 26(0/7) to 29(6/7) weeks of gestation in centers with a policy of either planned vaginal delivery (PVD) or planned cesarean delivery (PCD)., Study Design: Women with preterm singleton breech deliveries occurring after preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) were identified from the databases of five perinatal centers and classified as PVD or PCD according to the center's management policy. The independent association between planned mode of delivery and the risk of neonatal hospital death or morbidity was tested and quantified with ORs through two-level multivariable logistic regression modeling., Results: Of 142 782 deliveries during the study period, 626 (0.4%) were singletons in breech presentation from 26(0/7) to 29(6/7) weeks of gestation: after exclusions, 130 were in the PVD group and 173 in the PCD group. Severe newborn morbidity was similar in the two groups. Newborn mortality was 12% in the PCD group and 16% in the PVD group. Three neonates (1.7%, 95% CI: 0.34-5.0) died from head entrapment after vaginal delivery in the PVD group. Nonetheless, the policy of PVD was not associated with increased risks of neonatal death (aOR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.33-2.92) or severe morbidity., Conclusion: Risks of mortality and severe morbidity in preterm breech were not increased by a policy of vaginal delivery. Head entrapment leading to death is however possible in cases of vaginal delivery but its rarity should be balanced with the maternal consequences of early preterm cesarean delivery., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.)

Background: Poor outcomes after breech birth might be the result of underlying conditions causing breech presentation or due to factors associated with the delivery., Objectives: To assess the effects of planned caesarean section for singleton breech presentation at term on measures of pregnancy outcome., Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 March 2015)., Selection Criteria: Randomised trials comparing planned caesarean section for singleton breech presentation at term with planned vaginal birth., Data Collection and Analysis: Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy., Main Results: Three trials (2396 participants) were included in the review. Caesarean delivery occurred in 550/1227 (45%) of those women allocated to a vaginal delivery protocol and 1060/1169 (91%) of those women allocated to planned caesarean section (average risk ratio (RR) random-effects, 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.60 to 2.20; three studies, 2396 women, evidence graded low quality). Perinatal or neonatal death (excluding fatal anomalies) or severe neonatal morbidity was reduced with a policy of planned caesarean section in settings with a low national perinatal mortality rate (RR 0.07, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.29, one study, 1025 women, evidence graded moderate quality), but not in settings with a high national perinatal mortality rate (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.24, one study, 1053 women, evidence graded low quality). The difference between subgroups was significant (Test for subgroup differences: Chi² = 8.01, df = 1 (P = 0.005), I² = 87.5%). Due to this significant heterogeneity, a random-effects analysis was performed. The average overall effect was not statistically significant (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.02 to 2.44, one study, 2078 infants). Perinatal or neonatal death (excluding fatal anomalies) was reduced with planned caesarean section (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.86, three studies, 2388 women). The proportional reductions were similar for countries with low and high national perinatal mortality rates.The numbers studied were too small to satisfactorily address reductions in birth trauma and brachial plexus injury with planned caesarean section. Neither of these outcomes reached statistical significance (birth trauma: RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.10, one study, 2062 infants (20 events),evidence graded low quality; brachial plexus injury: RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.47, three studies, 2375 infants (nine events)).Planned caesarean section was associated with modestly increased short-term maternal morbidity (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.61, three studies, 2396 women,low quality evidence). At three months after delivery, women allocated to the planned caesarean section group reported less urinary incontinence (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.93, one study, 1595 women); no difference in 'any pain' (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.29, one study, 1593 women,low quality evidence); more abdominal pain (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.79, one study, 1593 women); and less perineal pain (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.58, one study, 1593 women).At two years, there were no differences in the combined outcome 'death or neurodevelopmental delay' (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.30, one study, 920 children,evidence graded low quality); more infants who had been allocated to planned caesarean delivery had medical problems at two years (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.89, one study, 843 children). Maternal outcomes at two years were also similar. In countries with low perinatal mortality rates, the protocol of planned caesarean section was associated with lower healthcare costs, expressed in 2002 Canadian dollars (mean difference -$877.00, 95% CI -894.89 to -859.11, one study, 1027 women).All of the trials included in this review had design limitations, and the GRADE level of evidence was mostly low. No studies attempted to blind the intervention, and the process of random allocation was suboptimal in two studies. Two of the three trials had serious design limitations, however these studies contributed to fewer outcomes than the large multi-centre trial with lower risk of bias., Authors' Conclusions: Planned caesarean section compared with planned vaginal birth reduced perinatal or neonatal death as well as the composite outcome death or serious neonatal morbidity, at the expense of somewhat increased maternal morbidity. In a subset with 2-year follow up, infant medical problems were increased following planned caesarean section and no difference in long-term neurodevelopmental delay or the outcome "death or neurodevelopmental delay" was found, though the numbers were too small to exclude the possibility of an important difference in either direction.The benefits need to be weighed against factors such as the mother's preference for vaginal birth and risks such as future pregnancy complications in the woman's specific healthcare setting. The option of external cephalic version is dealt with in separate reviews. The data from this review cannot be generalised to settings where caesarean section is not readily available, or to methods of breech delivery that differ materially from the clinical delivery protocols used in the trials reviewed. The review will help to inform individualised decision-making regarding breech delivery. Research on strategies to improve the safety of breech delivery and to further investigate the possible association of caesarean section with infant medical problems is needed.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the odds of morbidity and death that are associated with cesarean delivery, compared with vaginal delivery, for breech fetuses who are delivered from 23-24 6/7 weeks' gestational age., Study Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of state-level maternal and infant hospital discharge data that were linked to vital statistics for breech deliveries that occurred from 23-24 6/7 weeks' gestation in California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania from 2000-2009 (N = 1854). Analyses were stratified by gestational age (23-23 6/7 vs 24-24 6/7 weeks' gestation)., Results: Cesarean delivery was performed for 46% (335 fetuses) and 77% (856 fetuses) of 23- and 24-week breech fetuses. In multivariable analyses, overall survival was greater for cesarean-born neonates (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.24-7.06; AOR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.76-4.81, respectively). When delivered for nonemergent indications, cesarean-born survivors were more than twice as likely to experience major morbidity (intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, asphyxia composite; AOR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.37-5.84; AOR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.11-3.86 at 23 and 24 weeks' gestation, respectively). Among intubated neonates, despite a short-term survival advantage, there was no difference in survival to >6-month corrected age (AOR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.83-3.74; AOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.81-2.76, respectively). There was no difference in survival for intubated 23-week neonates who were delivered by cesarean for nonemergent indications or cesarean-born neonates who weighed <500 g., Conclusion: Cesarean delivery increased overall survival and major morbidity for breech periviable neonates. However, among intubated neonates, despite a short-term survival advantage, there was no difference in 6-month survival. Also, cesarean delivery did not increase survival for neonates who weighed <500 g. Patients and providers should discuss explicitly the trade-offs related to neonatal death and morbidity, maternal morbidity, and implications for future pregnancies., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To examine neonatal mortality and morbidity rates by mode of delivery among women with breech presentation at term gestation., Methods: We carried out a population-based cohort study examining neonatal outcomes among term, nonanomalous singletons in breech presentation among all hospital deliveries in Canada (excluding Quebec) between 2003 and 2011. Mode of delivery was categorized into vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery in labor, and cesarean delivery without labor. Composite neonatal mortality and morbidity (death, assisted ventilation, convulsions, or specific birth injury) was the primary outcome. Logistic regression was used to estimate the independent effects of mode of delivery., Results: The study population included 52,671 breech deliveries; vaginal deliveries increased from 2.7% in 2003 to 3.9% in 2011, and cesarean deliveries in labor increased from 8.7% to 9.8%. Composite neonatal mortality and morbidity rates at 37 weeks of gestation or greater after vaginal delivery were significantly higher than those after cesarean without labor (adjusted rate ratio 3.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.50-5.15; adjusted rate difference 15.8/1,000 deliveries, 95% CI 9.2-25.2). Among women at 40 weeks of gestation or greater, neonatal mortality and morbidity rates after vaginal delivery were significantly higher than those after cesarean delivery without labor (adjusted rate ratio 5.39, 95% CI 2.68-10.8; adjusted rate difference 24.1/1,000 deliveries, 95% CI 9.2-53.8). Neonatal mortality and morbidity rates were also higher after caesarean delivery in labor., Conclusion: Among term, nonanomalous singletons in breech presentation at term, composite neonatal mortality and morbidity rates were significantly higher after vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery in labor compared with cesarean delivery without labor., Level of Evidence: II.

Objective: To compare the neonatal outcome between planned vaginal or planned cesarean section (CS) breech delivery and planned vaginal vertex delivery at term with singleton fetuses., Design: A cohort study., Setting: Delivery Unit, Tampere University Hospital, Finland, with 5200 annual deliveries., Population: The term breech deliveries over a period of five years (January 2004 to January 2009), a total of 751 breech deliveries, and 257 vertex controls., Methods: The data were collected from the mother's medical records, including a summary of the newborn. In the case of neonatal health problems, the pediatric records were also examined., Main Outcome Measures: Maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity as defined in the Term Breech Trial. Low Apgar scores or umbilical cord pH as secondary end-points., Results: There was no neonatal mortality. Severe morbidity was rare in all groups, with no differences between groups. The Apgar scores at one minute were lower in the planned vaginal delivery group compared with the other groups, but there was no difference at the age of five minutes. Significantly more infants in the vaginal delivery group had a cord pH < 7.05. There was one maternal death due to a complicated CS in the planned CS group and none in the other groups. Mothers in the planned CS group suffered significantly more often from massive bleeding and needed transfusions., Conclusions: Vaginal delivery remains an acceptable option for breech delivery in selected cases., (© 2012 The Authors Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica© 2012 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Objective: To assess the risk of intra-uterine death (IUD) after external cephalic version (ECV)., Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 1078 consecutive ECVs performed between January 1994 and March 2011 in an University teaching hospital were extracted from the computerized database to examine the risk of IUD after ECV., Results: A total of 1078 consecutive ECVs were performed over the study period. The overall successful rate was 72.8%, the successful rate was 63.1% in nulliparous and 82.7% in multiparous, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no IUD identified within 24 h after the procedure and there was only one case of IUD (0.09%) that occurred 4 weeks after an uncomplicated ECV., Conclusions: ECV is a safe procedure that does not increase the risk of IUD within and after 24 h of enrollment irrespective of outcome of ECV. Our findings have important clinical implication in terms of patient counseling regarding the decision on term breech management.

The cesarean section rate and the associated complications are still rising in Germany. An important indication is term breech in singletons. Not significant data concerning a higher morbidity or mortality in vaginal breech birth indicate the cesarean but a deficit in education and experience., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Objectives: To provide evidence about the preferable mode of delivery, vaginal (VD) or caesarean section (CS), in PPROM., Methods: A retrospective study of 190 cases. Survival analysis was used to identify statistically significant differences in mortality rates., Results: A total of 126 pregnancies were included in our study. Mean gestational age of rupture was 28(+0) weeks (min = 15, max = 36(+4), sd = 5.796). Mean birth age was 30(+0) weeks (min = 15, max = 37(+2), sd = 5.353). CS was performed in 55 cases (43.7%), VD in 71 cases (56.3%). Data analysis showed that, regardless of presentation, there was a statistically significant benefit on survival in favor of the CS in births below 30 gestational weeks (n = 39, nCS = 18, nND = 21, χ(2) = 7.946, p = 0.005). Hazard ratio estimation set the critical gestational age at 28 weeks. For vaginal deliveries, breech presentation was associated with inferior survival outcome compared to vertex (nTotal = 71; nVertex = 63, nBreech = 8, χ(2) = 13.012, p < 0.001.Also in breech presentation, VD survival outcome was inferior to CS (nTotal = 9; nVD = 6, nCS = 3, χ(2) = 5.145, p < 0.05)., Conclusions: According to our results, in cases of PPROM, CS was beneficial below 28 weeks and in breech presentation below 30 weeks.

Objective: Vaginal breech delivery rates have been accepted widely to be in decline and the Term Breech Trial (TBT) has recommended delivery of a breech-presenting infant by elective cesarean section delivery. Our aim was to examine the rate of vaginal delivery of term breech pregnancies in the 8 years before and after the publication of the TBT., Study Design: We retrospectively examined vaginal delivery rates of breech presentations over a 16-year period in 3 large tertiary maternity hospitals that serve a single large metropolitan population. All 3 hospitals are of similar size and serve a population with similar risk profile. We also examined rates of perinatal mortality in the 3 hospitals over the study period., Results: During the 16-year study period, there were 344,259 deliveries among the 3 hospitals; 11,913 of which were breech deliveries. There were 5655 breech deliveries in the 8 years before the publication of the TBT, with a cesarean delivery rate of 76.9%. There were 6258 breech deliveries in the 8 years since publication of the TBT, and the cesarean delivery rate increased to 89.7% (P < .0001). During the 8 years since publication, the rate of vaginal delivery in nulliparous women decreased from 15.3-7.2% (P < .0001). The vaginal breech delivery rate in multiparous women decreased from 32.6-14.8% (P < .0001). The rates of corrected perinatal mortality showed a significant decrease in the last 4 years of the study., Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the results and recommendations of the TBT have contributed to decreasing vaginal breech delivery rates, which were already in decline before its publication., (Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

In Australia in 2007, a woman with two previous normal vaginal deliveries underwent an emergency cesarean section at full dilatation of the cervix with a breech presentation. The woman died after a severe hemorrhage. The official Coroner's Report attributed the cause of death to postpartum hemorrhage, whereas the breech presentation was barely mentioned, suggesting that complications with breech cesarean deliveries are under-appreciated and under-reported., (© 2011, Copyright the Authors. Journal compilation © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: To investigate whether initiating external cephalic version (ECV) earlier in pregnancy might increase the rate of successful ECV procedures, and be more effective in decreasing the rate of non-cephalic presentation at birth and of caesarean section., Design: An unblinded multicentred randomised controlled trial., Setting: A total of 1543 women were randomised from 68 centres in 21 countries., Population: Women with a singleton breech fetus at a gestational age of 33(0/7) weeks (231 days) to 35(6/7) weeks (251 days) of gestation were included., Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to having a first ECV procedure between the gestational ages of 34(0/7) (238 days) and 35(6/7) weeks of gestation (early ECV group) or at or after 37(0/7) (259 days) weeks of gestation (delayed ECV group)., Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was the rate of caesarean section; the secondary outcome was the rate of preterm birth., Results: Fewer fetuses were in a non-cephalic presentation at birth in the early ECV group (314/765 [41.1%] versus 377/768 [49.1%] in the delayed ECV group; relative risk [RR] 0.84, 95% CI 0.75, 0.94, P=0.002). There were no differences in rates of caesarean section (398/765 [52.0%] versus 430/768 [56.0%]; RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85, 1.02, P=0.12) or in risk of preterm birth (50/765 [6.5%] versus 34/768 [4.4%]; RR 1.48, 95% CI 0.97, 2.26, P=0.07) between groups., Conclusion: External cephalic version at 34-35 weeks versus 37 or more weeks of gestation increases the likelihood of cephalic presentation at birth but does not reduce the rate of caesarean section and may increase the rate of preterm birth., (© 2011 The Authors BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology © 2011 RCOG.)

Introduction: Before birth, most of foetuses located in mother's uterus have head presentation down towards the breech exit. Preterm delivery presents the delivery before the end of the 37th gestational week. Etiology of preterm breech deliveries is the same as of the ones at term, such as uterine malformations and myomas, polyhydramnion, foetal abnormalities, high parity, short umbical cord, placenta previa. The complications include passing of the body through insufficiently dilated cervical channel and "capturing " of the head, umbilical cord prolapse, intrapartal hipoxy, discoordinated delivery, aspiration pneumonia, traumatic injuries. The basic aim of the research was to determine prematurity, mortality, colority of the amniotic fluid, and newborn condition with breech deliveries comparing to the head presentation deliveries., Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 282 newborns that came from breech deliveries and the same number of the controls born with head presentation. In cases of breech deliveries there was greatly higher quantity of green and meconium amniotic fluid, significantly higher prematurity, significantly lower average Apgar score as well as seven times higher mortality of newborns comparing with the values in head presentation deliveries., Discussion: Meconium amniotic fluid can result in greater risk than aspiration pneumonia which is the characteristics of breech deliveries. There are more causes endangering fetal vitalty after breech delivery and those are along with prematurity, greater number of congenital malformations, often traumas which depend on delivery course as well as hipoxy caused during delivery. Prematurity of fetus is one of risk factors resulting in breech delivery but it is also its main characteristics., Conclusion: Breech delivery brings greater risk measured by Apgar score values, appearance of meconium amniotic fluid, prematurity with its consequences and perinatal mortality.

Background: To determine the factors associated with the risk of delivery-related perinatal and neonatal death among term infants presenting by the breech and the effect of changes in the mode of delivery on the overall rates of perinatal and neonatal mortality associated with breech presentation., Methods: We studied 32,776 singleton term infants presenting breech excluding anomalous and antepartum losses in Scotland between 1985 and 2004, using linked Scottish national registries of pregnancy outcome data and perinatal death data. The event was delivery-related perinatal and neonatal death (i.e. intrauterine fetal death during labour or death of infant in the first 4 weeks of life), subdivided according to intrapartum anoxia or mechanical cause of death. Analysis was by multivariate logistic regression., Results: During the study period, the risk of delivery-related perinatal and neonatal death decreased by 72% (95% CI -1% to 93%), due to a 90% (95% CI 33-99%) reduction in anoxic or mechanical deaths. Both intrapartum (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.02-0.75) and planned (OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.00-0.09) caesarean delivery were protective against anoxic or mechanical deaths and increased use of planned caesarean delivery accounted for 16% of the decline in anoxic and mechanical deaths over the study period., Conclusion: Increased use of planned caesarean delivery only partly explains the decline in delivery-related perinatal and neonatal death between 1985 and 2004 in Scotland.

Objective: To investigate neonatal outcome after breech presentation in term pregnancies., Study Design: Data from 1345 term breech deliveries over a 12-year study period were retrospectively reviewed. Neonatal morbidity and mortality were compared by route of delivery., Results: We investigated 1345 term breech deliveries. A total of 1041 patients (77.4%) attempted a vaginal delivery; of these, 808 (60.1%) were delivered vaginally and 233 patients (17.3%) who failed at vaginal birth underwent cesarean section. The other 304 women (22.6%) were delivered by a planned cesarean section. No statistical differences were found in the incidence of low 5-minute Apgar scores and arterial cord blood pH values

The authors review 12-years period (1990-2001) during which they research the fetal mortality of children born in breech presentation in the University clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. They present a figure of the possible risks for the fetus in breech presentation and breech delivery.

Objective: To study the association between mode of delivery and neonatal outcome in singleton pregnancy with breech presentation and preterm birth, due to premature labour (PTL) and/or preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM)., Design and Methods: Information on preterm (gestational week 25-36) singleton births in breech presentation in Sweden during 1990-2002 was obtained from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry and the Swedish Hospital Discharge Registry. The study groups included 1975 caesarean and 699 vaginal deliveries with a diagnosis of PTL or pPROM, without pregnancy complications implying a high risk of fetal compromise. The rates of infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), low Apgar scores, and neonatal deaths were compared between infants delivered vaginally and by caesarean section. Odds ratios were calculated with adjustment for gestational age, year of birth, maternal age and parity., Results: The risk of neonatal death and the risk of an Apgar score below 5 min postnatally were both lower after caesarean delivery (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2-0.7, and OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.3-0.7, respectively), whereas the risk of IRDS was increased (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.4-3.2). A diagnosis of IRDS was not associated with mortality (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.5-1.5). IVH was not associated with mode of delivery (OR 1.2; 95% CI 0.5-2.8)., Conclusion: The lower neonatal mortality after CS supports a policy of caesarean delivery of the preterm breech.

Six years after publication of the results of the first international randomized controlled trial with the main question which mode of delivery is the best for term breech babies, there are increasing concerns about the validity of the study data concluding caesarean delivery was safer for breech babies. In January 2006 published article in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology the data of the study has been analysed again. The author comes to the conclusion that because of mistakes in the study design the results are unreliable and that the study group should withdraw the recommendations. Furthermore in his article he quotes from the study and emphasizes the mistakes.

Objective: To establish the role of Caesarean section in reducing perinatal mortality following singleton breech delivery in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar., Method: The case notes of all patients who had singleton breech delivery between 1st January 1991 and 31st December 2000 were studied., Results: The incidence of singleton breech delivery was 1.4% and 37.1% of the breech deliveries were by Caesarean section. Feto-pelvic disproportion and footling breech presentation were the most common indications for Caesarean section (50.0%). Most of the breeches delivered by emergency Caesarean section (55.0%) were in unbooked patients while the booked ones were mostly delivered by elective Caesarean section (80.0%). There was a statistically significant decrease in perinatal mortality in primigravid breeches ((p = 0.018) and in fetuses estimated to weigh above 3.5 kilograms (p = 0.0005) following Caesarean section., Conclusion: This study shows that Caesarean section plays a very important role in the management of breech presentation in our environment. We advocate elective Caesarean section of all primigravid breeches and those whose fetuses are estimated to weigh above 3.5 kilograms.

Objective: Compare neonatal complications according to the planned mode of delivery and according to whether the women gave birth at a maternity unit that applied "consensus" guidelines., Study Design: The study used the database of the AUDIPOG Sentinel Network (n=71,919 pregnancies between 1994 and 2000). The principal outcome was a composite variable that included neonatal morbidity and mortality. A survey of obstetric practices was sent to 175 maternity units belonging to the network. Consensus guidelines were defined from the survey responses and taken into account in the database analysis., Results: Neonatal complications did not differ between the group of women with term babies in breech presentation for whom vaginal delivery was planned and those for whom an elective caesarean was planned (adjusted OR=1.33; 95% CI: 0.63-2.80). The survey allowed us to define a set of six criteria for deciding on mode of delivery; it established a consensus, followed by 42% of the maternity units in the study. The rate of neonatal complications among the women with planned vaginal delivery was lower for those giving birth in units that applied the consensus guidelines than among those in the other units: adjusted OR=0.27 (95% CI: 0.09-0.85)., Conclusion: The risk of neonatal morbidity according to planned mode of delivery for term breech babies was lower for those giving birth in units that applied the consensus guidelines than among those in the other units.

Objective: To examine the association between method of delivery (primary cesarean section vs. vaginal) and neonatal mortality risk (as well as causes of death) among very low-birth weight first-born infants in the United States. More specifically, to examine this association separately for breech/malpresenting and vertex-presenting infants, while adjusting for selected maternal characteristics, and pregnancy, labor and delivery complications., Methods: The study population was derived from the 1995-1998 birth cohort linked birth/infant death data sets. Binary and multinomial logit regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship in four very low-birth weight categories., Results: Among breech/malpresenting neonates, compared to those delivered vaginally, infants delivered by a primary cesarean section had significantly lower adjusted relative risks of death for all very low-birth weight categories and the decrease in relative risk tended to be larger with each increasing birth weight category. However, for vertex-presenting neonates, results are mixed, suggesting decreased relative mortality risks associated with primary cesarean section, which were significant for 500-749 g, not significant for 750-999 g, and barely significant for 1,000-1,249 g. In contrast, for vertex-presenting neonates weighing 1,250-1,499 g, there was a significantly increased adjusted relative risk associated with primary cesarean section. Differences in cause-specific neonatal mortality by method of delivery and presentation status were also discussed., Conclusions: Primary cesarean section appears to be associated with decreased neonatal mortality risks in each very low-birth weight category for breech/malpresenting infants, but results are mixed for vertex-presenting infants. Causal inferences should be avoided because this was an observational study by design.

Analysis of 340 term breech presentations in primigravidas showed a corrected perinatal mortality of 1.5%; the elective cesarean section rate was 15%. The incidence of complicated labour, defined in the study, was analyzed with regard to different parameters, e.g. X-ray pelvimetry data in all 340 cases. Complicated labour in vaginal deliveries markedly increased with increasing fetal weight (p less than 0.001) and decreasing pelvic capacity (p less than 0.001). In each case the fetal weight and smallest pelvimetry data were given score points and the sum of these was called the Feto Pelvic Breech Index, which was correlated to the incidence of complicated labour. By using this index the mortality and the routine use of elective cesarean section. The prognostic methods available to detect feto-pelvic disproportion are discussed.