Term Breech Delivery

Abstract

In October 2000, Hannah et al published a randomised controlled trial comparing perinatal and maternal outcome between planned vaginal and planned caesarean deliveries of term breech pregnancies. The study was closed after an interim analysis, showing a reduced perinatal morbidity and mortality with planned caesarean section. The result was not unexpected, although a trial like this had been called for over many years to resolve the issue. Many cohort- and case-control studies, and two small randomised studies had been performed since 1959, when Wright reported a reduced perinatal mortality and morbidity with CS. A few large registry studies had shown a better perinatal outcome with caesarean delivery, whereas smaller studies often showed no statistically significant difference in outcome, often with the conclusion that vaginal delivery (VD) is safe.