Pregnancy outcomes in breech presentation analyzed according to intended mode of delivery

Introduction. Optimal mode of delivery in breech presentation has been widely examined and debated. The aim of this study was to compare perinatal and maternal outcomes with either a policy of planned vaginal delivery or planned cesarean section in breech presentation. Material and methods. This was a registry-based retrospective cohort study from Turku University Hospital, Finland with 1418 singleton breech deliveries at term over a period of 11 years (January 2002 to December 2012). Data were collected from the mothers' medical records. Results. Apgar scores at 5 min as well as umbilical artery pH values were significantly lower in the planned vaginal breech delivery group compared with the planned cesarean section group, suggesting a short-lasting delayed recovery after birth. There were more puerperal infections in planned cesarean section group compared with the planned vaginal delivery group. Conclusions. The results confirm that planned vaginal breech delivery results in short-lasting delayed recovery after birth compared with planned cesarean section.