Abstract:

External cephalic version (ECV) is the manipulation of the fetus presented in breech or transverse position, through the maternal abdomen, to a cephalic presentation, so as to avoid the adverse outcome for the mother and child during vaginal delivery of the breech or transverse fetal position. ECV is a safe and effective procedure to reduce cesarean delivery rates. ECV has been gradually applied to pregnant women with contraindications of ECV, such as cesarean section. A history of cesarean section did not affect the success rate of ECV, compared with no history of cesarean section, maternal and neonatal complications such as abnormal fetal heart rate, vaginal bleeding, premature rupture of membranes, emergency cesarean section, and poor neonatal prognosis were not increased. A previous cesarean delivery may not increase the risk of scar dehiscence or rupture during ECV. Parity is an important factor affecting the success rate of ECV. The majority of women with a previous cesarean delivery will have a successful vaginal birth after a successful ECV, but the rate of vaginal delivery is lower than that of women without a previous cesarean delivery. To promote a vaginal delivery and improve the obstetrics quality, ECV can be offered carefully to women with a breech presentation and a previous cesarean delivery.

Key words: Version,fetal, Vaginal birth after cesarean, Breech presentation, Abnormal fetal positions, External cephalic version