Introducing external cephalic version to clinical practice

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2001 Nov;41(4):395-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2001.tb01315.x.

Abstract

A service offering external cephalic version to all women with breech presentations at 36-38 weeks' gestation was introduced at St George Hospital in July 1997. This paper describes how this service was established and reports the clinical outcomes over the first three years; 116 external cephalic versions (ECV) were attempted on 114 women and success was achieved in 58 women (51%). Of the 58 women, 43 (74%) subsequently had vaginal deliveries. There were no fetal deaths, immediate Caesarean sections, or placental abruptions as a result of the ECV procedure. There were two (2%) episodes of transient fetal bradycardia following ECV, both of which returned to normal with a subsequent normal neonatal outcome. Pre- and post-ECV Kleihauer levels were collected with no increase in levels as a result of the ECV ECV is a procedure that can, and should, be provided as part of a public hospital service.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breech Presentation*
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Hospitals, District
  • Humans
  • New South Wales / epidemiology
  • Obstetrics / standards
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Prenatal Care / standards
  • Version, Fetal / methods
  • Version, Fetal / statistics & numerical data*