Expedited versus conservative approaches for vaginal delivery in breech presentation (Cochrane Review)

A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 21 February 1996. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.

Background: In a vaginal breech birth there may be benefit from rapid delivery of the baby to prevent progressive acidosis. However, this needs to be weighed against the potential trauma of a quick delivery.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of expedited vaginal delivery (breech delivery from umbilicus to delivery of the head within one contraction) on perinatal outcomes.

Search strategy: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched. Date of last search: October 2001.

Selection criteria: Randomised trials of expedited vaginal breech delivery compared with delivery not routinely expedited in women undergoing vaginal breech delivery.

Data collection and analysis: Eligibility and trial quality were assessed by one reviewer.

Main results: No studies were included.

Reviewers' conclusions: There is not enough evidence to evaluate the effects of expedited vaginal breech delivery.

Citation: Hofmeyr GJ, Kulier R. Expedited versus conservative approaches for vaginal delivery in breech presentation (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003. Oxford: Update Software.

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This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).

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