VAGINAL BREECH DELIVERY Flashcards
Define breech presentation
Breech presentation occurs when the fetus lies longitudinally with the buttocks presenting in the lower pole of the uterus
the most common form of malpresentation in pregnancy
breech presentation
Percentage of breech at term
3 - 4%
Percentage of breech with premature delivery
25%
Flexed hips, extended knees bilaterally
FRANK (EXTENDED BREECH)
Both hips / knees flexed
COMPLETE BREECH
Describe FOOTLING BREECH
One (single footling, breech) or both (double footling breech) legs extend below level of buttocks
Another name for frank breech
Extended breech
Flexed hips, extended knees bilaterally
Another name for complete breech
Flexed breech
Both hips / knees flexed
5 fetal causes of breech presentation
- Prematurity
- Fetal malformations
–Hydrocephalus/anencephaly - Polar placentation
–Cornual
–Praevia - Genetic disorders (causing fetal hypotonia)
–Trisomies 13, 18, 21
–Potter syndrome
–Myotonic dystrophy - Abnormalities of liquor volume
–Polyhydramnios
–Oligohydramnios
4 maternal causes of breech presentation
- Pelvic tumours
- Uterine anomalies (recurrent breech presentation)
– Bicornuate/septate uterus - Contracted pelvis
- High parity
3 clinical examinations for the diagnosis of breech presentation
- Leopold’s manouvre
—Firm, rounded fetal head
ballotable in fundus - Fetal heart audible above
umbilicus - Pelvic examination
—Soft irregular breech
ULTRASOUND CONFIRMS DIAGNOSIS AND EXCLUDES:
Placenta praevia
Multiple pregnancy
Skeletal abnormalities
Hydrocephalus
Spina bifida
Fetal ascites
Abdominal tumours
T/F: Ultrasound Scan confirms degree of extension/flexion of fetal head
T
T/F: X-ray can be used in the diagnosis of breech in the absence of USS
T
Antepartum management of breech involves – and –
Anticipate spontaneous version
Counsel on risks of delivery options
3 modalities of breech management
External cephalic version
Elective caesarean section
Planned vaginal delivery
ECV is employed for – and –
Singleton breech
Non-vertex second twin
At what GA is ECV performed
36 - 37 weeks
5 Requirements for ECV
- Ultrasound
2 Cardiotocographic monitoring - Tocolysis (controversial)
- Regional Anesthesia—optional
- Facilities for caesarean section
Mean success rate of ECV
60%
T/F: Higher success of ECV in Africans
T
Success rate of ECV
35 – 85%
6 Factors Associated with failure of ECV
Obesity
Engagement of the breech
Oligohydramnios
Posterior positioning of fetal back
Fibroids
Congenital uterine anomalies
8 Complications of ECV
Feto – maternal transfusion
Placental abruption
Uterine rupture
Cord accident
Amniotic fluid embolism
Preterm labour/rupture of membranes
Fetal distress
Fetal demise
3 risks of vaginal breech delivery compared with cephalic delivery
Cord compression/prolapse
Difficulty in delivering shoulders
Difficulty in delivering the head
9 antepartum criteria for vaginal breech delivery
- Frank breech presentation
- Gestational age ≥ 34 weeks
- Estimated fetal weight of 2000 –
3500g - Flexed fetal head
- Normal clinical/radiological
pelvimetry
–Inlet: Transverse
11.5cm/AP10.5cm
– Cavity: Transverse
10.0cm/AP 11.5cm - No indication for caesarean
section - Previable fetus
- Congenital anomaly
- Presentation in advanced labour
For vaginal breech delivery GA should be
≥ 34 weeks
For planned vaginal breech delivery the EFW should be
2000 – 3500g
For planned vaginal breech delivery the transverse and AP diameter of the pelvic inlet should be
Transverse 11.5cm/AP10.5cm