For Breech Births, Cesarean Section Poses Fewer Risks Than Vaginal Delivery

Abstract

This article presents the results of a multinational randomized trial conducted among 2083 women with a term pregnancy who were enrolled at 121 centers in 26 countries around the world. Women with fetuses that were in a frank or complete breech presentation were randomly assigned to either planned cesarean section or planned vaginal birth. Both groups were monitored for perinatal or neonatal mortality within 28 days after birth and for serious neonatal morbidity and for maternal mortality or serious morbidity within 6 weeks after delivery. Overall the risk of perinatal/neonatal mortality or morbidity was 67% lower in the planned cesarean than in the planned vaginal delivery. Data indicate that infants scheduled to be delivered by cesarean section are 77% less likely to die and 64% less likely to experience serious neonatal health problems than are those scheduled to be delivered vaginally. The type of delivery planned however does not affect the occurrence of serious maternal complications or death.