Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of external cephalic version in term (37 or more weeks) gestation.
Study design: A case series from February 1990 until December 1994 studied 160 patients with term singleton breech presentation. External cephalic version (ECV) with prophylactic tocolysis was the method used.
Results: ECV was successful in 67% of the cases (107/160) overall, in 56% of the nulliparous (57/102) and 86% of the multiparous women (50/58). About 90% of those with successful ECV (96/107) had a vaginal delivery with a vertex presentation of the fetus. Emergency Caesarean section due to fetal distress was not required during or immediately after the procedure. No perinatal mortality or babies with an Apgar score less than 7 at 5 min were observed.
Conclusions: ECV in term pregnancy seems to be useful and it is safe both for the mother and the fetus. It should be performed at term, with close monitoring of the fetus, and in an environment able to provide an emergency Caesarean section.