Antepartum external cephalic version under tocolysis

Abstract

Reported are 172 patients considered for external cephalic version at gestational age greater than 37 weeks. Their outcome was compared with 40 similar patients in whom external version was not attempted. One hundred fifty-eight patients had attempted version, and success was achieved in 122 (77%). Intrapartum vertex presentation occurred in 12% of the control population and in 77% of the version patients. Cesarean section was performed in 80% of the control patients and in 32% of the version patients. There were no maternal or fetal complications directly attributable to external cephalic version. Antepartum external cephalic version under tocolysis is associated with a high success rate, an acceptably low rate of complications, and a decreased incidence of cesarean section for breech presentation at term.