External cephalic version without anaesthesia for breech presentation in singleton term pregnancies: a retrospective analysis of 195 cases

Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of external cephalic version for breech presentation in singleton term pregnancies. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 195 singleton pregnancies with gestational weeks ≥37 and breech presentation that has received external cephalic version in University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital from January 2014 to December 2016. The success rate of external cephalic version, delivery modes, maternal and neonatal complications and adverse outcomes were analyzed. Results Of the 195 cases, 62.6% (122/195) were successful, among which 107 vaginally delivered and 15 underwent the cesarean section. Maternal and neonatal outcomes of all 195 cases were good. The success rate of external cephalic version in the multipara was higher than that of the primipara [84.5%(71/84) vs 45.9%(51/111), χ2=30.383, P<0.001]. No neonatal asphyxiation or postpartum hemorrhage was reported. Conclusions External cephalic version is an effective and safe method to convert breech presentation and reduce cesarean section rate in the third trimester. Key words: Version, fetal; Breech presentation; Retrospective studies