[Breech delivery 'on all fours']

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2019 Sep 9:163:D3994.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Since the publication of the results of the Term Breech Trial (TBT) in 2000 the number of planned Caesarean sections for breech presentation has increased dramatically, at the expense of vaginal breech deliveries. The favourable effect of a planned Caesarean section for breech presentation on perinatal outcomes described in the TBT could not, however, be reproduced in later trials. A planned Caesarean section does carry an increased risk of maternal complications; furthermore, a previous Caesarean section leads to higher risks for both mother and child in any subsequent pregnancy. A recent prospective study advocates vaginal breech delivery 'on all fours', a position in which the mother leans on her hands and knees during delivery. A vaginal breech delivery in this position seems to be just as safe for the child as a planned Caesarean section, while a vaginal delivery is safer for the mother than a Caesarean section. This article describes two uncomplicated vaginal breech deliveries in the all fours position.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breech Presentation / therapy*
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects
  • Delivery, Obstetric / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Labor, Obstetric*
  • Patient Positioning / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Prospective Studies