Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of Induced Labor for Breech Presentations

Abstract

Background: Inducing labor for breech presentation is a relatively harmless and effective approach when carefully chosen for the right cases regarding both maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Objective: To determine safety of induction of labor in women with breech presentation with respect to maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Material and Methods: This descriptive case series included Para 1-5 with single alive fetus, frank or complete breech with flexed head after 37 weeks. Labor induced with prostaglandin E2 vaginal pessary either alone or with balloon catheter combination. Maternal outcomes (postpartum hemorrhage, postoperative fever, perinatal trauma and hospital stay of > 24 hrs) and neonatal morbidity APGAR scores (A/S) of <7, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission, any trauma and mortality were recorded.

Results: The study showed about 43 (86%) of women between age group of 18-35 years and 37(74%) with parity 1-3. Emergency cesarean section observed in 7 (14%) while vaginal delivery in 43(86%) cases. Maternal adverse outcomes observed were PPH in 4(8%)  (P= 0.50), postoperative fever3 (6%) (P =0.68), perinatal trauma 2(4%) (P =0.68), and hospital stay 9(18%) cases (P =0.84).Observed neonatal outcomes were A/S of < 7 in 5(10%) (P =0.07), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission in4( 8%) (P =0.59), injury to humorous in 1(2 %)P =0.64)case.

Conclusion: Induction of labor for term breech showed no statistically significant change in feto-maternal outcomes with regard to mode of delivery