May - 2024 | Dr. Yogitha Lakshmi Lanka*, Dr. Seshasai. T, Dr. Shalini
External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure to turn a breech baby from a buttocks or foot-first position to a head-first position, recommended for single pregnancies to facilitate vaginal delivery. It is typically performed after 36 weeks gestation, preferably at 37 weeks, and is more likely to succeed with adequate amniotic fluid and a non-descended fetus. ECV is usually done near an operating room to handle potential emergency cesarean sections, which occur in less than 1% of cases. An ultrasound is used to assess fetal position, amniotic fluid, placental position, and to rule out anomalies.
This study analyzed 10 patients with breech presentation from January to December 2023. Clinical and ultrasound examinations were performed to exclude anomalies and determine fetal position. Patients were counseled and consented before ECV. The procedure involves placing the pregnant woman in a left lateral position, using ultrasound to monitor fetal heart rate, and gently rotating the fetus. If the forward roll fails, a backward flip is attempted. ECV is discontinued if there is excessive discomfort, abnormal heart rate, or multiple failures. If successful, a non-stress test is repeated.
Among the 10 patients, 6 achieved cephalic presentation, 2 failed ECV, one had a spontaneous return to breech, and one developed fetal bradycardia requiring emergency cesarean section. ECV is a safe and effective alternative to vaginal breech delivery or cesarean section.External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure to turn a breech baby from a buttocks or foot-first position to a head-first position, recommended for single pregnancies to facilitate vaginal delivery. It is typically performed after 36 weeks gestation, preferably at 37 weeks, and is more likely to succeed with adequate amniotic fluid and a non-descended fetus. ECV is usually done near an operating room to handle potential emergency cesarean sections, which occur in less than 1% of cases. An ultrasound is used to assess fetal position, amniotic fluid, placental position, and to rule out anomalies.
This study analyzed 10 patients with breech presentation from January to December 2023. Clinical and ultrasound examinations were performed to exclude anomalies and determine fetal position. Patients were counseled and consented before ECV. The procedure involves placing the pregnant woman in a left lateral position, using ultrasound to monitor fetal heart rate, and gently rotating the fetus. If the forward roll fails, a backward flip is attempted. ECV is discontinued if there is excessive discomfort, abnormal heart rate, or multiple failures. If successful, a non-stress test is repeated.
Among the 10 patients, 6 achieved cephalic presentation, 2 failed ECV, one had a spontaneous return to breech, and one developed fetal bradycardia requiring emergency cesarean section. ECV is a safe and effective alternative to vaginal breech delivery or cesarean section.