Comparison of Perinatal Outcome of Breech Presentation between Vaginal Delivery and Cesarean Section

Introduction: Many times, parturient opt for labour and vaginal breech delivery even after informing increased perinatal risks. Vaginal breech deliveries are undertaken with the reasons like avoidance of cesarean section in next pregnancy, null risk of operative and anesthetic hazards, ability to resume early all household works after vaginal birth, etc. The purpose of this study is to compare the perinatal outcome of breech deliveries in singleton breech presentation between vaginal breech delivery and cesarean section. Methods: A retrospective study was done in Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital for the duration of one year (December 2014 to November 2015). Data of perinatal outcome of breech deliveries were collected from the hospital records. The records of neonatal examination were also collected. The primary outcomes included were neonatal morbidity and mortality. Results: Out of 80 selected women with breech presentation, 42 of them had vaginal deliveries and 38 women had undergone caesarean section. The perinatal mortality was 4.8% and morbidity was 2% in vaginal breech deliveries. There was no significant difference of APGAR score in the two groups at any time. Similarly, there was no significant difference in perinatal morbidity and mortality in the two groups. Nulliparous women were more likely to deliver by Cesarean section. Conclusion: In places where planned vaginal delivery is a common practice and when strict criteria are met before and during labour, planned vaginal breech delivery of singleton fetus in breech presentation remains a safe option that can be offered to women.