Differences in Biometric Fetal Weight Estimation Accuracy and Doppler Examination Results in Uncomplicated Term Singleton Pregnancies between Vertex and Breech Presentation

Doppler examination of the umbilical artery and the fetal middle cerebral artery is evaluated predominantly in pregnancies with fetuses in cephalic presentation and never has been elucidated in breech presentation. Evidence on the accuracy of fetal weight estimation in dependence of the fetal presentation is controversial. Nevertheless, clinical decisions including recommendations for a cesarean section or labor induction based on these examinations are applied to pregnancies with fetuses in breech presentation. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the fetal presentation on fetal weight estimation accuracy, umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery resistance indices (RI) in a prospective case control study. Ultrasound examinations in 305 uncomplicated term pregnancies (153 vertex presentations, 152 breech) were investigated. Non-parametric variables were compared using Pearson’s chi² test and Wilcoxon chi² test, depending on variable scaling. Fetal weight estimation accuracy was not significantly different between vertex presentation group (VP) (6.97%) and breech presentation group (BP) (7.96%, p = 0.099). Fetal head circumference measurements were significantly larger in BP (350 mm vs. 341 mm in VB, p > 0.0001) while abdominal circumferences were significantly smaller (VP: 338 mm, BP: 331 mm, p = 0.0039) and weight estimation was not significantly different. Umbilical artery RIs were not significantly different between VP (54.5) and BP (55.3, p = 0.354). Fetal middle cerebral artery RIs also showed no significant differences (VP: 71.2, BP: 70.7, p = 0.335). Our study shows that fetal Doppler (RI) and weight estimation ultrasound originally calibrated in cephalic pregnancies are applicable to pregnancies with fetuses in breech presentation.

Learning Breech Birth in an Upright Position Is Influenced by Preexisting Experience-A FRABAT Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Vaginal breech delivery is becoming an extinct art although national guidelines underline its safety and vaginal breech delivery in an upright position has been shown to be a safe birth mode option. In order to spread clinical knowledge and be able to implement vaginal breech delivery into obstetricians' daily practice, we need to gather knowledge from facilities who teach specialized obstetrical management.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study on 140 vaginal deliveries out of breech presentation solely-managed by seven newly-trained physicians and compared fetal outcome as well as rates of manual assistance in respect to preexisting experience.

RESULTS

Fetal morbidity rate measured with a modified PREMODA score was not significantly different in three sub-cohorts sorted by preexisting expertise levels of managing obstetricians (experience groups EG, EG0: 2, 5%; EG1: 3, 7.5%; EG2: 1, 1.7%; p = 0.357). Manual assistance rate was significantly higher in EG1 (low experience level in breech delivery and only in dorsal position) compared to EG0 and EG2 (EG1 28, 70%; EG0: 14, 25%; EG2: 21, 35%; p = 0.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that vaginal breech delivery with newly-trained obstetricians is a safe option whether or not they have advanced preexisting expertise in breech delivery. These data should encourage implementing vaginal breech delivery in clinical routine.