Value of external version in fetal malpresentation in combination with use of ultrasound
Ylikorkala, O.; Hartikainen-Sorri, A.L.
Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 56(1): 63-67
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-6349 PMID: 842306 Document Number: 113707
During 1969--1974 six hundred and forty-nine external versions were attempted during the last trimester on 491 mothers with fetal malpresentation. The procedure was monitored with ultrasound in 1969--1974. Most of attempts (70.0%) were made during the 32nd-36th weeks. The final version rate after one or more attempt was 76.2%, being lower (67.0%) in nulliparous than parous women (84.6%). The incidence of breech presentation at birth decreased from 4.5 to 2.9% (p less than 0.001). The most serious complication was one premature labor but the infant survived. The perinatal mortality was 2.0% and, after excluding abnormal infants, 0.8%. The combination of external version and the use of ultrasound is a safe method which avoids hazardous vaginal breech delivery and is recommended in obstetric practice.