Publication:

Study of the obstetric outcome of breech presentation in pregnancy in a tertiary hospital in a rural area in Telangana, India

Background The present study was undertaken to study the incidence, aetiology and obstetric outcome of breech presentation in pregnancy in a teaching hospital in a rural area.

Methods The present retrospective observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Bhaskar Medical College and Bhaskar General Hospital, Yenkepally, Telangana from May 2014 to March 2017. 50 cases of breech presentation were included in the study. Demographic data like age, parity, gestational age of first detection of breech, aetiological factors of breech, mode of delivery, neonatal outcome were noted from case records.

Results The incidence of breech was 1.4% in pregnancies attending Bhaskar general hospital. 74% were in the age group of 20-24yrs & 20% were in the age group of 25-29yrs. Primis accounted for 62% of the study group. Common etiologies of breech presentation were oligohydramnios (28%) and uterine anomalies (28%). No obvious fetal anomalies were noted. Majority (96%) of cases were delivered by caesarean section for breech associated with oligohydramnios, gestational hypertension, intrauterine fetal growth restriction and preterm. Neonatal outcome was good in breech delivered by caesarean section.

Conclusions Breech delivery is a high risk pregnancy with adverse fetal outcomes during pregnancy and labour. Though caesarean section for breech presentation is not universally recommended, caesarean section can reduce the perinatal mortality and morbidity compared to vaginal birth for term breech pregnancy. Mode of delivery should be decided based on the case and obstetrician’s skill.