부산대학교 도서관

Vaginal delivery of infants in a breech presentation (feet or buttocks first) is complicated and risky and is the reason why these infants are often delivered by cesarean section (surgical delivery of the infant whereby an incision is made through the abdominal wall and the uterine muscle). Although fetal complications are reduced when infants in a breech position are delivered by cesarean section, the surgical risks to the mother can not be overlooked. One alternative, external cephalic version, is a controversial technique performed to externally turn the fetus so that the head presents first. Repeated efforts may be needed as the fetus often reverts back to the breech presentation. The effect of this procedure on fetal and maternal well being was examined in 180 women with breech presentation fetuses. Successful version was accomplished in 25 percent of all attempts in the 90 women, and repeated external cephalic version resulted in head presentation in 48 percent. Version was spontaneous in 26 percent of the non-treated control group. It was estimated that the procedure resulted in a beneficial gain of 22 percent. Repeated gentle external cephalic version lasting no longer than five minutes done between 33 and 40 weeks of pregnancy was found to reduce the number of breech presentations at birth and had no associated complications. This reduction in breech presentations will ultimately limit the need to deliver these infants by cesarean sections.