FOURTH EDITION OF THE ALARM INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

CHAPTER 12
VAGINAL BREECH DELIVERY
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, the participant will:
1.
2.
3.

List the selection criteria for an anticipated vaginal breech delivery.

Recall the appropriate steps and techniques for vaginal breech delivery.
Summarize the indications for and describe the procedure of external cephalic version (ECV).

Definition
When the buttocks or feet of the fetus enter the maternal pelvis before the head, the presentation is termed a breech
presentation.
Incidence
Breech presentation affects 3% to 4% of all pregnant women reaching term; the earlier the gestation the higher the
percentage of breech fetuses.
Types of Breech Presentations

Figure 1 - Frank breech

Figure 2 - Complete breech

Figure 3 - Footling breech

In the frank breech, the legs may be extended against the trunk and the feet lying against the face. When the
feet are alongside the buttocks in front of the abdomen, this is referred to as a complete breech. In the footling
breech, one or both feet or knees may be prolapsed into the maternal vagina.
Significance
Breech presentation is associated with an increased frequency of perinatal mortality and morbidity due to
prematurity, congenital anomalies (which occur in 6% of all breech presentations), and birth trauma and/or
asphyxia.

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External Cephalic Version

External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure in which a fetus is turned in utero by manipulation of the maternal
abdomen from a non-cephalic to cephalic presentation.
Diagnosis of non-vertex presentation
Performing Leopolds manoeuvres during each third trimester prenatal visit should enable the health care provider to
make diagnosis in the majority of cases. The abdominal examination is used to assess the presentation, position, and
engagement of the fetus by using four different manoeuvres.

Figure 4 - Leopolds manoeuvres: palpation of fetus in left occiput anterior position

Reproduced from: Managing prolonged and obstructed labour: Education material for teachers of midwifery,
second edition. World Health Organization, 2006. p. 51. available from
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2006/9241546662_4_eng.pdf

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Technique
1.
2.
3.
4.

Palpate the fundus of the uterus to determine which fetal parts are in this portion of the uterus. In the case of a
breech presentation, the hard round head will be felt.
Palpate either side of the abdomen to find the fetal back and limbs and assess size.
Palpate either side of the lower abdomen just above the pelvic inlet to determine if the head is flexed or
extended.
Palpate just above the pubic symphysis for the presenting part. In a breech, the buttocks will be smaller in
comparison to the head that was felt in the fundus. (This manoeuvre is sometimes called Pawlicks manoeuvre.)

Auscultation of the fetal heart with a Pinard fetoscope may also aid in confirming or ruling out breech presentation.
In breech presentation, typically the fetal heart tones will be heard above the umbilicus. It is not possible to use a
Doppler to aid in diagnosis as it detects sound from a wider range. A vaginal examination or ultrasonography may
be performed to confirm the presentation, when in doubt.
Timing of an external cephalic version
The best available evidence suggests that the ideal time to carry out ECV is after 37 weeks gestation (Hofmeyr et al,
1996). Under certain circumstances, it can be offered in labour. Studies are currently underway to determine if early
ECV (i.e. at 34 to 35 weeks gestation) may offer further benefit without additional risk to the woman or her fetus
(Hutton EK et al, 2003). Currently it is recommended that ECV should be performed at more than 36 weeks
because:
Spontaneous cephalic version often occurs before 36 weeks.
Spontaneous podalic version after the procedure is rare after 36 weeks.
Fetus will usually be mature if complications of ECV necessitate immediate delivery.
A meta-analysis of five randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing ECV at term to no attempt at ECV showed a
significant reduction in non-cephalic births (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.180.80) and cesarean section (RR 0.55, 95% CI
0.330.91). There was no significant effect on perinatal mortality (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.055.54) or other measures of
perinatal outcome (Hofmeyr et al, 1996).
In certain situations, ECV may be offered in early labour. This may be considered if the membranes are intact, and
the breech is unengaged.
Prerequisites
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Singleton pregnancy
Gestational age 37 weeks
No contraindication to labour
Fetal well-being established prior to procedure
Assessment of amniotic fluid volume
Position of fetus known prior to procedure
Facilities for immediate delivery

Contraindications
ECV should be avoided in a woman who is HIV positive. If the womans status is unknown or she has a very low
viral load, ECV may be considered based on available local resources. The health care provider needs to weigh the
potential risks of mother-to-child transmission vs. vaginal breech delivery in the absence of cesarean section
capability.

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Absolute contraindications
1. Any contraindications to labour, e.g. placenta previa, non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR), or intrauterine
growth restriction
2. Congenital abnormality (i.e. hydrocephalus)
Relative contraindications
1. Severe oligohydramnios
2. Hyperextension of the fetal head
3. Two or more previous cesarean sections
4. Morbid obesity
5. Active labour
There is no evidence to suggest that ECV is unsafe after one low transverse uterine incision or cesarean section.
Risks
1. Intrauterine death is rare but may occur secondary to cord accident, maternal-fetal hemorrhage, or may be
unexplained
2. Placental Abruption
3. Rupture of the membranes
4. Stimulation of (pre-term) Labour
5. Fetal bradycardia
6. Isoimmunization
External cephalic version procedure
Obtain the womans fully informed consent. This discussion should include the following information:
A policy of offering ECV after 36 weeks will reduce the need for cesarean section surgery.
Success is approximately 30% to 50%, and is dependent on the experience of the health care provider, as well
as parity of the woman.
The procedure may be safely repeated until the buttocks are deeply engaged in the pelvis, or rupture of
membranes has occurred.
Sedation and tocolysis may be used.
There are insufficient trials to assess the risks and benefits of epidural or spinal analgesia.
Assess fetal well-being prior to beginning the procedure. In addition to asking the woman about the fetus
movements, auscultate the fetal heart. If available, a 20 minute non-stress test or biophysical profile may also be
carried out before the procedure is started.
Re-confirm the fetal position with careful abdominal palpation (Leopolds manoeuvres). If available, an ultrasound
examination should be performed to confirm the position. In some settings, real-time ultrasound is done during the
procedure to check progress and to monitor the FHR. In other settings, a second health care provider may monitor
the fetus well-being throughout the procedure using a Doppler or fetoscope.
The abdomen may be lubricated with ultrasound gel or powder to make the procedure easier.
The first attempt may be made without uterine relaxation. Success may increase in subsequent attempts with the use
of uterine relaxants. Nitroglycerin has been given in the same dose used for treating uterine hyperstimulation,
although its efficacy is inconclusive and there have been reported side effects (Hofmeyr et al, 2004).
No good evidence is available to support the use of IV nitroglycerin
Sublingual nitroglycerin is not recommended by a Cochrane review because four small trials showed no
efficacy and it was associated with significant side effects (Hofmeyr et al, 2004) (Bujold et al, 2003a) (Bujold et
al, 2003b).

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In the initial ECV attempt, the direction of rotation should be so that the fetus "follows its nose" (i.e. a forward roll)
(Cunningham et al, 2005). Proceed as follows:
Dislodge the buttocks from the pelvis, pushing upwards and then laterally.
Grasp the head and direct it downwards.
Slowly rotate the fetus by pushing upwards and to the side of the fetal back with the hand holding the buttocks,
at the same time guiding the head downwards and to the opposite side.
When the head reaches a lower level than the buttocks, manoeuvre the head over the pelvic inlet.
If the forward roll attempt fails, a backward flip (i.e. the opposite direction) may be attempted.

Figure 5 - External version of a breech presentation

Reproduced from: Managing complications in pregnancy and childbirth: a guide for doctors and
midwives. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2003. Available: http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/impac/mcpc.pdf.

Administer Rh immunoglobulin 300 g to unsensitized Rh-negative women, where available.

Stop the procedure if the woman is too uncomfortable or the FHR is non-reassuring. Most non-reassuring FHR
patterns will resolve. Ask the woman to turn onto her left side. Reassess the FHR every 5 minutes. If the FHR does
not stabilize within the next 30 minutes, deliver by cesarean section.

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It is recommended that fetal health monitoring be continued for a minimum of 20 minutes after an attempted ECV,
whether or not the procedure was successful. Many health care providers have the woman walk for a short period
(15 to 20 minutes) following the procedure, and then return to be examined to determine if version was successful. If
version was successful, the woman should continue to receive antenatal care and await labour. If version was not
successful, then discuss appropriate arrangements for her ongoing care including repeated attempts at ECV, and/or
choice of delivery method.
The woman should be given advice about when to return to her health care provider. The woman should be
encouraged to report any changes in fetal movement pattern, if she believes the baby has returned to the previous
presentation, onset of contractions, and rupture of membranes, bloody show, or other signs of labour.
Intrapartum Management of Breech Presentation
The management of the breech presentation continues to be controversial. Studies show that the standard of care for
breech delivery is a cesarean section when available. In 2000, the Term Breech Trial was published.(Hannah et al,
2000) This trial was a multicentre RCT. Women, who were recruited from developed and developing countries with
breech singleton pregnancies at term, were randomized to either a planned cesarean section or a planned vaginal
birth. The trial was stopped early after the review of an interim analysis that showed a large reduction in risk of
perinatal or neonatal mortality or serious neonatal morbidity with planned cesarean section. The final results
(developed and developing countries) showed the rate of perinatal or neonatal mortality or serious neonatal
morbidity to be 1.6% in the planned cesarean group and 5.0% in the planned vaginal birth group. Perinatal death
was also reduced in the planned cesarean group (0.3% vs. 1.3%, RR 0.23, 95% CI: 0.070.81).
A Cochrane review of planned cesarean section for term breech delivery includes the findings from the Term Breech
Trial and two prior much smaller trials, and confirms these findings. In the total sample (worldwide), perinatal or
neonatal death (excluding fatal anomalies) was reduced overall (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.100.86) with a policy of
planned cesarean section (Hofmeyr, 2003).
Cochrane review of planned cesarean section for term breech delivery
In developed countries
Perinatal or neonatal death1
Serious short-term neonatal morbidity

Planned CS
0/641 (0.0%)
2/514 (0.4%)

Planned vaginal birth

4/694 (0.6%)
29/511 (5.7%)

Cochrane review, 2003

The reviewed trials indicate that a policy of planned cesarean section compared with planned vaginal was
associated with a decrease in perinatal or neonatal death and/or neonatal morbidity. Among survivors,
there was no significant difference in outcomes at age 2. As the long-term outcome following perinatal
morbidity appeared good, the most relevant outcome is the reduction in perinatal and neonatal death.
Based on this meta-analysis of all trials, one death would be prevented for every 112 cesarean sections
planned.
For the mother, planned cesarean section was associated with a modest increase in short-term maternal
morbidity. Outcomes at 2 years were similar between the two groups. The effects of cesarean section on
longer-term outcomes, such as risks related to the scarred uterus, have not yet been addressed, nor have the
cost implications (Hannah et al, 2004).
In all countries, but particularly in developing countries, and for reasons including patient choice, unsafe cesarean
section conditions, advanced labour, or error in diagnosis, it is important that the skills of vaginal breech delivery be
taught to and retained by all health care providers.
1

Excludes fetal anomalies

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Selection criteria
The following are the selection criteria for planned vaginal breech delivery:
1.
2.
3.

There is insufficient data on which to base a recommendation for frank or complete breech presentations when
the estimated birth weight is more than 4,000 grams.
Planned vaginal birth could be recommended for either frank or complete breech presentations at 36 weeks
gestation or more and/or when the estimated birth weight is 2,500 to 4,000 grams.
Planned vaginal birth could be offered for either frank or complete breech presentations at 31 to 35 weeks
gestation and/or when the estimated birth weight is 1,500 to 2,500 grams.

The womans wishes, in collaboration with the attending health care providers judgment, should determine which
delivery method is the most appropriate course of action.
Ultrasonography, when available, also provides the following useful information for decision-making:
Amniotic fluid assessment
Cord position
Assessment for congenital anomalies
Confirms placenta localization
Several criteria were examined and were felt not to be important in the selection of a patient for a trial of labour.
These included parity, maternal age, pelvimetry, and medical and/or obstetrical complications.
Intrapartum management
Where possible, women with a fetus in breech position should be referred to health care provider with experience
with vaginal breech delivery and/or a facility that has a cesarean section capability. The primary health care
provider should have an assistant immediately available to resuscitate the newborn. No systematic evidence exists
on the outcomes of breech birth outside the hospital setting.
Head entrapment is a possibility with a baby in breech presentation. This is more likely to occur with a preterm
baby. However, all health care providers undertaking responsibility for vaginal breech deliveries need to be aware of
this possibility and have a plan for intervention. This may involve the use of the Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit
manoeuvre, the application of forceps, or symphysiotomy.
The following intrapartum management issues should be taken into account when a vaginal breech delivery is
considered:
Induction of labour
Augmentation of labour
Duration of labour
Intrapartum fetal monitoring
Analgesiaanesthesia
Amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes)
Delivery technique
Intrapartum consultation
Management in labour
Admission to a maternity unit in early labour or immediately after rupture of membranes
Appropriate fetal monitoring
Epidural for the usual indications
Amniotomy for same indications as vertex presentation
Immediate vaginal examination at rupture of membranes to rule out cord prolapse
Assess labour progress and expect same progress as in vertex presentation

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Management at delivery
Experienced health care provider in newborn resuscitation should be present at the delivery
Maternal bladder should be emptied just prior to delivery
Selective episiotomy is preferable to routine episiotomy
Ideally, a maternity health care provider with experience in breech delivery should be involved
Forceps, if available, may be helpful to deliver the head
Technique for vaginal breech delivery
1. Explain the necessity of effective pushing in the second stage of labour.
2. Ensure adequate analgesia.
3. Spontaneous descent and expulsion to the umbilicus should occur with maternal pushing only . . .
DO NOT PULL ON THE BREECH!
4. Rotation to the sacrum anterior position is desired and may be facilitated.
5. Episiotomy may be considered once the anterior buttock and anus are crowning.
6. If the legs do not deliver spontaneously, perform the Pinard manoeuvre. Do not attempt to extract the legs until
the popliteal fossae are visible.

Figure 6 - Pinard manoeuvre

Reproduced from: Gabbe SG et al. Obstetrics: normal and problem pregnancies. 2nd ed. p. 479

7.

The Pinard manoeuvre in accomplished by inserting two fingers along one extremity to the knee, which is then
pushed away from the midline (abducted) at the same time as flexing the leg at the hip. This causes
spontaneous flexion of the knee and delivery of the foot.
Support the baby around the hips and have the woman push until the scapulae are visible. Do not hold the
baby by the flank or abdomen, as this may cause kidney or liver damage. Do not pull on the breech or
compress the womans abdomen. Maintain flexion of the fetal head by keeping the body below the horizontal.

Figure 7- Supporting the baby

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8.

9.

Rotate the body to facilitate delivery of the arms over the chest (Loveset manoeuvre).

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Support the baby to maintain the head in a flexed position. Suprapubic pressure may help. Maternal expulsive
efforts should be encouraged.

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10. The body should be supported in a horizontal position or allowed to hang until the nape of the neck appears at
the introitus (vaginal opening.).

Figure 8 - Allowing the baby to hang until the nape of the neck appears

11. Deliver the head.

a) Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit manoeuvre: Maintain the head in flexion by placing the attendants fingers over
the chin and malar eminences. An assistant may help the delivery by providing suprapubic pressure, as
traction is applied primary health care provider.

Figure 9 - Delivery of the aftercoming head using the Mauriceau manoeuvre

Reproduced from: Breech presentation and delivery. In: Cunningham FG et al. Williams obstetrics. 22nd ed.

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b)

Use forceps if needed. Pipers forceps were specifically designed for this purpose.

Figure 10 - Piper forceps for delivery of the aftercoming head

Reproduced from: Breech presentation and delivery. Cunningham FG et al. Williams obstetrics. 22nd ed.1
12. Technique
a) The fetal body is elevated using a warm towel and the left blade of the forceps is applied to the aftercoming
head.
b) The right blade is applied with the body still elevated.
c) Forceps delivery of the aftercoming head is completed. Note the direction of movement shown by the
arrows.
Head entrapment
Entrapment of the after coming head in a breech presentation is a very rare complication. It may occur with greater
frequency with a preterm baby.
Delivery may be accomplished by symphysiotomy or by rapid cesarean section when attempts to deliver the after
coming head are unsuccessful. Information on how to perform a symphysiotomy is found in Chapter 13 Shoulder
Dystocia.

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During preterm breech delivery, the trunk of the preterm baby may deliver through an incompletely dilated cervix.
In this situation, lateral cervical incisions have been used to release the after coming head. Similar rates of head
entrapment in the preterm fetus have been described for vaginal and abdominal delivery.
Care after Breech Delivery
Active Management of the Third Stage of Labour (AMTSL)
Prepare for newborn resuscitation
Umbilical arterial blood gas analysis, where laboratory facilities exist
Examination for maternal trauma
Examination for neonatal trauma
- Examine the hips of the newborn with care at the time of the initial newborn exam
- Repeat the examination in the immediate neonatal period and prior to discharge from care
Review birth with the family
Documentation
Documentation of Breech Delivery
The indication, complete review of risks and benefits for vaginal delivery, and consent must be clearly and
completely documented in all cases. A contemporaneous written note and a dictated operative record are
recommended. The note must indicate whether the vaginal delivery was planned or was an incidental emergency
vaginal birth.
This is a suggested format for a chart note. Detailed notes should be incorporated into both the womans and the
babys charts. This suggested format may also serve as a template to dictate a delivery summary. If the woman was
referred from another lower-level health care facility, this information should be included in a report letter to be sent
to the referral facility.
Date and time of birth
Name of physician or other primary health care provider and experience with vaginal breech delivery
Date and timing of ECV attempts and experience of health care provider
- Use of tocolysis Yes/NO Drug used: ____________
Record of informed discussion with the woman of the risks, benefits, and options
Type of breech at onset of labour
Assessment of maternal pelvis
Assessment of the FHR and contractions
Type of analgesia or anesthesia used (if any)
Manoeuvres performed to deliver baby
Use of episiotomy, description and timing, details of repair
Estimated time from birth to umbilicus to birth of head
Delivery of aftercoming head:
- Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit manoeuvre Yes/No
- Forceps Yes/No
- Symphysiotomy Yes/No
APGAR scores
Results of cord blood analysis, if done
Neonatal resuscitation activities, if needed
Description of maternal and neonatal injuries (if any)

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Key Messages
1.
2.
3.

The decision to perform an ECV involves providing informed choice to the woman regarding risks, benefits,
and health care provider competencies
When a woman presents with a breech baby, a vaginal delivery should be encouraged if she meets the criteria.
Health care providers should develop and maintain their skills in vaginal breech delivery.
Suggestion for Applying the Sexual and Reproductive Rights Approach to this Chapter

Even in settings where cesarean section is easily available, take time to consider which mode of deliver is best for
the woman and her baby. The woman should be fully involved in the decision-making process.
Health care providers may experience anxiety when responsible for managing a vaginal breech delivery. Experience
will help to reduce stress. No matter how stressful the situation is for the health care provider, it is important to
remember to care for the women with sensitivity.
Modifications to delivery techniques that will increase the womans sense of dignity include having the woman
place her feet onto the edge of the bed or delivery table or to use foot supports with her buttocks hanging over the
edge of the table rather than using the lithotomy position with stirrups.

Resources:
Breech presentation and delivery. In: Cunningham FG, Hauth JC, Leveno KJ, Gilstrap L, Bloom SL, Wenstrom
KD, editors. Williams obstetrics. 22nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division; 2005. p.56586.
Bujold E, Boucher M, Rinfret D, Berman S, Ferreira E, Marquette GP. Sublingual nitroglycerin versus placebo
as a tocolytic for external cephalic version: a randomized controlled trial in parous women. Am J Obstet Gynecol
2003b;189(4):1070-3.
Brenner WE, Bruce RD, Hendricks CH. The characteristics and perils of breech presentation. Am J Obstet
Gynecol 1974;118(5):700-12.
Bujold E, Marquette GP, Ferreira E, Gauthier RJ, Boucher M. Sublingual nitroglycerin versus intravenous
ritodrine as tocolytic for external cephalic version: a double-blinded randomized trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol
2003a;188(6):1454-7.
Cunningham FG et al. Williams obstetrics. 22nd edition
Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, editors. Obstetrics: normal and problem pregnancies. 2nd ed. New York:
Churchill Livingstone; 1991.
Hannah ME, Hannah WJ, Hewson SA, Hodnett ED, Saigal S, Willan AR. Planned caesarean section versus
planned vaginal birth for breech presentation at term: a randomised multicentre trial. Term Breech Trial
Collaborative Group. Lancet 2000;356(9239):1375-83.
Hannah ME, Whyte H, Hannah WJ, Hewson S, Amankwah K, Cheng M, et al. Maternal outcomes at 2 years
after planned cesarean section versus planned vaginal birth for breech presentation at term: the international
randomized Term Breech Trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2004;191(3):917-27.
Hofmeyr GJ, Gyte G. Interventions to help external cephalic version for breech presentation at term [Cochrane
review]. In: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004 Issue 1. Chichester (UK): John Wiley & Sons, Ltd;
2004. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000184.pub2.
Hofmeyr GJ, Hannah ME. Planned caesarean section for term breech delivery [Cochrane review]. In: Cochrane
Database of Systematic Reviews 2003 Issue 2. Chichester (UK): John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2003. DOI:
10.1002/14651858.CD000166.

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Hofmeyr GJ, Kulier R. External cephalic version for breech presentation at term [Cochrane review]. In:
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1996 Issue 1. Chichester (UK): John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 1996. DOI:
10.1002/14651858.CD000083.
Hutton EK, Kaufman K, Hodnett E, Amankwah K, Hewson SA, McKay D, et al. External cephalic version
beginning at 34 weeks' gestation versus 37 weeks' gestation: a randomized multicenter trial. Am J Obstet
Gynecol 2003;189(1):245-54.
Johnson RL, Elliott JP. Fetal acoustic stimulation, an adjunct to external cephalic version: a blinded, randomized
crossover study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1995;173(5):1369-72.
Kish K, Collea JV. Malpresentation and cord prolapse. In: DeCherney AH, Nathan L, editors. Current obstetric
& gynecologic diagnosis & treatment. 9th ed. Toronto: McGraw-Hill; 2003.
Menticoglou SM. Why vaginal breech delivery should still be offered. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2006;28(5):380-5,
discussion 386-9.
WHO. Managing complications in pregnancy and childbirth: a guide for doctors and midwives. Geneva: World
Health Organization; 2003. Available: http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/impac/mcpc.pdf.
WHO. Managing prolonged and obstructed labour: Education material for teachers of midwifery, second edition.
World Health Organization, 2006. Available from
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2006/9241546662_4_eng.pdf. Accessed May 31st, 2007

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