[Comparison of obstetric prognosis of attempts of breech delivery: Spontaneous labor versus induced labor]

Abstract

Objectives: Delivery mode in breech presentation (BP) is often controversial. Spontaneous labor, when vaginal birth seems safe, allows to better estimate uterus contractility, fetus' accommodation to maternal pelvis and optimize monitoring with a partograph. Induced labor in BP was usually contra-indicated. Lack of strong scientific evidence on this matter has permitted a progressive and careful evolution in obstetrical management, with the introduction of induced labor in BP. The aim of our study is to compare vaginal birth rates when labor is induced versus when spontaneous in BP. Maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality parameters were also evaluated.

Methods: In this retrospective study were included 206 patients carrying fetuses in BP, between June 2012 and June 2017. 182 of them had spontaneous labor and 24 experienced induced labor. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy, BP after 34 weeks of gestation and vaginal delivery authorized by a senior obstetrician. Multiple pregnancy, birth before 34 weeks of gestation, uterine scar, planned caesarian section for BP, intra-uterine fetal death and medical termination of pregnancy were excluded. Induction of labor was performed for medical reason on a favorable cervix.

Results: There was no significant difference in cesarean section rates between the two "induced" and "spontaneous" labor groups in BP (OR=1.69 [CI95%: 0.71-4.04]). We observed no difference between the two groups in neither perineum trauma nor post-partum hemorrhage. No difference was found between the two groups in rates of Apgar score<7 5minutes after birth, neonatal transfer, fetal trauma and pH at birth.

Conclusion: Despite our small population, it seems acceptable to propose induced labor for medical reason if cervix is favorable in BP if a protocol is available stating acceptability criteria for vaginal birth. It can avoid unnecessary caesarian section and allow better obstetrical outcome. It would be interesting to study fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality criteria in induced labor versus planned cesarean section when patients could be eligible for induced labor in BP.

Keywords: Breech presentation; Caesarean section; Césarienne; Déclenchement du travail; Induced labor; Morbidité périnatale; Perinatal morbidity; Siège; Spontaneous labor; Travail spontané.