Outcomes of “one-day trial of vaginal breech delivery of singleton pregnancy” at 37–38 weeks’ gestation at a Japanese perinatal center

Abstract

Purpose In Japan, the lack of obstetricians has made it impossible for a strict 24-h delivery monitoring system for high risk deliveries such as vaginal breech delivery at many obstetric facilities. The outcomes in the trial of vaginal breech delivery of singleton pregnancy limited one day at 37–38 weeks’ gestation were examined. Materials and methods A planned induction of vaginal breech delivery at 37–38 weeks’ gestation was performed in 72 women who got consent form April 2006 to March 2016 as follows: (1) insertion of a balloon catheter into the uterine cervix filled with a sterile saline fluid of 400–500 mL, (2) intravenous administration of oxytocin after confirming of the natural falling out by itself of the balloon catheter, and (3) selection of cesarean delivery when vaginal delivery cannot be expected by evening. The perinatal outcomes of them were examined from patient charts. Results The completion rate of vaginal delivery in total was 67% (48/72). There were no cases of neonatal asphyxia or respiratory disorders. The severe perineal lacerations occurred in one case (2%). Conclusion Planned vaginal breech delivery limited one day at 37–38 weeks’ gestation seemed to be valid and safe and it can be one of the options for breech delivery in Japan.