External cephalic version -- a new midwifery role.

The RCOG (2001) recommend external cephalic version (ECV) for breech presentation at term. When practised at term ECV has been shown to be safe and effective avoiding the associated risks of a vaginal breech delivery for the fetus and caesarean section for the mother. However, despite evidence of benefit, the provision of ECV varies due to lack of appropriately trained medical staff available to perform this procedure safely and effectively. This article describes the introduction of a midwife-led ECV service at the Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle and includes the preparation and rationale for expanding the midwife's role, the training undertaken and results of independent clinical practice. The authors report a midwife success rate of 43%, which is comparable to that of an experienced obstetrician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]